Virus claims life of bethany, belle of the ball
A DEVASTATED mother told yesterday how “life will never be the same again” after her teenage daughter died of flu complications.
Student Bethany Walker developed flu symptoms at her Highlands home in Wester Ross. As the 18-year-old’s condition worsened, she was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness with pneumonia.
But she “rapidly deteriorated” and could not be saved by medics, dying in intensive care a week ago.
Bethany’s mother Heather Teale said yesterday: “The staff in intensive care could not have done more. She was given the best possible treatment from a team of eight people for over two hours.
“They tried everything possible, but sadly despite their best efforts she didn’t make it.”
She added: “I am broken. The bottom has fallen out of my world. Life will never be the same again.
“Bethany, I love you to the moon and back, I always have and I always will. You were the best daughter I could have ever wished for and I will always be the proudest mum in the world.
“I have no more words. I’m truly devastated. Sleep tight my beautiful girl. Your brother and I will love you forever, you will never be out of my thoughts as long as I live.”
Friends remembered Bethany as the “belle of the ball” at New Year, and said she was a “kind, caring and gifted” student.
She had been due to study midwifery at the University of Aberdeen after a gap year.
A family friend wrote on Facebook: “Never have we all been so heartbroken or grief-stricken.
“Bethany Walker was one of life’s most beautiful and amazing young women you could possibly meet.
“Bethany was taken far too soon from this world. We will miss her forever.”