Relatives of a former journalist who apparently committed suicide are calling for an indepedent inquiry into the health care she received.

Carole Denby, 63, is believed to have taken an overdose of prescription drugs at her home in Pontyates, Carmarthenshire, following years of painful medical complications after breaking her ankle during a country walk, reports WalesOnline.

Husband Howard Denby said he had been writing to Hywel Dda University Health Board and its predecessor for years, in a bid to to secure treatment to improve his wife’s health following an unsuccessful operation on her ankle in 2006.

Howard said, over last eight years his wife’ condition deteriorated and she eventually lost the will to live. She left a note which said: “I’ve had enough. I’m sorry.” Her funeral took place on Friday.

Howard said he had taken the dogs out for a walk and when he returned he went to see if Carole was up and wanted a cup of tea, but found her dead.

In a career as a freelance journalist she had worked with the likes of John Pilger and Austin Mitchell, now the Labour MP for Great Grimsby. The couple had planned to launch an environmental business, but had to abandon the project when her health deteriorated.

Howard said: “I am now determined to get Carole the justice she did not get when she was alive. There must be an independent inquiry into the treatment she received.”

Rhodri Glyn Thomas, the Plaid Cymru AM for Carmarthen East & Dinefwr, said: “My impression has been that not as much was done to help her as should have been” adding “I certainly believe there should be an independent inquiry.”

A spokeswoman for Hywel Dda University Health Board said: “We have carefully reviewed the care given to Carole Denby and have been in regular contact with her husband. We offer our condolences to Mr Denby and the university health board will fully co-operate with the HM Coroner.”

An inquest into Carole’s death will reopen after toxicology tests have been completed.