BETH , 18 .. VICTIM OF KILLER FLU
Teenager dies after winter virus turns into pneumonia
A TEENAGE girl has died after catching the flu sweeping Scotland.
Bethany Walker, 18, took ill at her home in the Highlands and was airlifted to hospital.
But she died after her flu developed into pneumonia.
Her mother, Heather Teale, said she was “broken” by the tragic loss of her “beautiful daughter”.
Heather had gone with Bethany in the helicopter
from their home in Applecross in the West Highlands to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
But despite the efforts of medical staff, the popular teenager, who planned to become a midwife, lost her fight for life hours after her admission last Friday.
Mum Heather wrote on Facebook: “My beautiful daughter Bethany Walker was taken from me yesterday ( Jan 5).
“She had been suffering from a flu virus, which became pneumonia, she was airlifted to Raigmore with me by her side yesterday morning where she rapidly deteriorated.
“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.
“I am broken, the bottom has fallen out of my world. I have my mum with me, and my wonderful son Danny Walker who are both feeling the same loss as I am.
“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
as I live.” Among those paying his respects to Bethany was TV adventurer Monty Halls, who lived on the Applecross peninsula in 2008 for his Great Escapes series.
He wrote: “Heather, I am so, so sorry to hear this news – it is beyond comprehension. Words seem so completely inadequate.
“Every member of the film crew for Great Escapes remembers her so fondly, a total delight.
“My deepest condolences to you and your family. I know the entire team send their best wishes, their thoughts, and their love. Monty xxx.”
The Applecross Inn, where Bethany worked, also paid tribute.
A post on their Facebook page read: “Farewell to dear Bethany, another fantastic member of our team who we sadly lost last Friday after a short illness. You were the ‘belle of the ball’ at Hogmanay … and indeed everywhere .
“Such a tragic loss of someone so perfect in every way, so polite, such beauty, humour, fun, music and studies.
“You were pure pleasure as an employee … loved by every member of our team, so much devotion and dedication to all you did.”
Bethany was due to head for Aberdeen University this year to begin her studies to become a midwife. She left Plockton High School last summer to take a gap year before university.
The school said on Facebook: “It was a privilege for all of us to have taught Bethany, to have known her in her years in the school and to have maintained contact with her after she left.
“It is tragic to lose someone so young and the thoughts of the whole school are with Bethany’s family at this sad time.”
Bethany’s death is the second recent tragedy to hit the small Wester Ross community of Applecross.
Alasdair Macleod, 57, died while fishing for prawns in November. His body was found 15 miles away at Staffin Bay on Skye on December 9.