A new documentary on Channel 5 sheds light on the chilling experiences of Delia Balmer, a survivor of a relationship with serial killer John Sweeney. The program, titled *I Survived a Serial Killer: The Delia Balmer Story*, originally aired in 2024 and will be rebroadcast on May 28, 2026, at 10 PM. Through interviews, police records, and expert analysis, the film recounts Delia’s encounter with Sweeney, exposing the terrifying reality of living with a notorious criminal.
Delia Balmer: A Survivor’s Journey
Delia Balmer, a former nurse at the Royal Free Hospital, met John Sweeney in 1991 at a London pub. Unaware of his violent tendencies, she entered into a relationship with him. In 1994, when Delia attempted to end the relationship, Sweeney violently retaliated. He held her captive, tying her to her bed while threatening her with a firearm and a blade.
A Life-Threatening Attack
During a later encounter, Sweeney attacked Delia with an axe, resulting in severe injuries. She narrowly escaped death, thanks to the intervention of a brave neighbor who used a baseball bat to fend off the assailant. This horrific experience left Delia with both physical and psychological scars, necessitating years of healing.
Resilience Amidst Adversity
Despite the trauma, Delia has refused to be defined by her past. She wrote a memoir titled *Living With A Serial Killer*, detailing her harrowing relationship and path to recovery. Now in her 70s, she enjoys a life enriched by therapeutic massage work, dancing, and travel, including a notable trip to South Africa in 2023.
Current Life and Mental Health
Living privately in London, Delia has not made many public appearances after participating in the ITV drama series *Until I Kill You*. Although she continues to face mental health challenges stemming from her past, she remains focused on pursuing her interests.
- Documentary Title: I Survived a Serial Killer: The Delia Balmer Story
- Initial Air Date: 2024
- Rebroadcast Date: May 28, 2026, at 10 PM
- First Encounter with Sweeney: 1991
- Year of Assault: 1994
- Published Memoir: Living With A Serial Killer
- Notable Travel in: 2023 (South Africa)
Delia’s remarkable story serves as a testament to her resilience and strength. *I Survived a Serial Killer: The Delia Balmer Story* is a haunting reminder of the dangers that can lurk behind a façade and the enduring spirit of those who survive such harrowing experiences.
