A prominent Greek family has accused the NHS of negligence after their 30-year-old daughter and heiress, Marissa Lemos (also known as Laimou), was found dead in her bed on September 11 at the family’s home in London’s prestigious Knightsbridge area, reports the Daily Mail.
Remarkably, Marissa had successfully battled breast cancer and a rare blood disorder just months before the tragedy.
The family claims that in the days leading up to her death, Marissa sought medical attention at two well-known London clinics, including one she visited via ambulance, but doctors sent her home.
“This is 100% negligence. They could have kept her overnight, monitored her, given antibiotics—and she would still be alive,” a family member said. “Marissa survived cancer, and now this has happened. No mother should have to bury her child.”
Marissa, a theatre actress, had recently returned to London after a holiday on the Greek resort of Porto Heli, where she felt well. However, on September 9, she began experiencing dizziness, itching, high fever, and signs of infection.
According to her family, Marissa called an ambulance; her temperature was recorded at 39°C, but she opted to stay home. The next day, her condition worsened, and she visited the Leaders in Oncology Care clinic on Harley Street, where she had previously undergone chemotherapy. She received blood tests, an IV with antibiotics, and antihistamines, but due to the severity of her symptoms, she was referred to University College London Hospital (UCLH).
At UCLH, nurses repeated blood tests and administered another IV, but doctors ultimately sent Marissa home. “She wrote to friends: ‘No one is watching me, no one is coming, I still feel awful,’” a family member said.
On the evening of September 10, Marissa went to bed and never woke up. Doctors’ preliminary diagnosis: toxic reaction, likely from an insect bite.
Marissa was deeply involved in theatre—she had recently performed as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, was preparing a production of Oliver!, and participated in rehearsals. Despite her privileged upbringing, she preferred an independent life, working in kindergartens and hotels, with theatre remaining her passion. She studied in New York and Arizona, returned to London in 2018, and often spoke of her love for the city.
Having overcome breast cancer and a rare blood disorder, Marissa had only recently begun to fully enjoy life again. Her family is awaiting the autopsy results and remains determined to uncover the full circumstances surrounding her death.
“We are all in shock. We cannot understand how this could happen in 2025,” added a family member.
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