"Mum Suffered for Her Faith"

A Grandmother suffered years of agonizing ill health because of her devotion to a cult religion, her family claims.

Bournemouth Echo/June 25, 2002
By Jane Reader

Determined Laura Muriel Bandinel refused medical assistance for cancer because of her strong beliefs in Christian Science.

The 77-year-old died two weeks ago, 18 months after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She had no pain relief and no surgery.

Now her devastated family has spoken out to inform the public about Christian Science beliefs.

The movement, formed in America in the late 1800s, has churches in Bournemouth and Poole.

Mrs. Bandinel had studied Christian Science for nearly 50 years and firmly believed her studies could heal her.

The movement claims medicine is incompatible with Christian Science. She even returned surgical dressings because she felt unable to use them.

Christian Science, also known as the First Church of Christ, Scientist, was formed by Mary Baker Eddy who taught that evil, including sickness and death, was an illusion to be overcome by understanding your true identity as a perfect, spiritual reflection of God.

Mrs. Bandinel's daughter, Kathy, said it was impossible to influence her mother's views.

Kathy, who does not wish to reveal her surname, said her mother's cancer was discovered when she was taken into hospital after two falls at her home in Southbourne. Despite the presence of the disease, she refused all help and insisted on going home.

Mrs. Bandinel was admitted to hospital and died in a nursing home, unaware of her surroundings and unable to recognize members of her family.

At her own request, there was no funeral or remembrance service, just a private cremation.

Kathy, who also lives in Bournemouth, has set up a support group, thought to be the first in Britain, for those who have left Christian Science.