Glasgow Times

Tributes to tragic Bethany as flu crisis continues

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TRIBUTES have been paid following the “tragic loss” of an 18-yearold, who died of pneumonia after suffering from flu.

Bethany Walker, from Applecross in Wester Ross, died last Friday as flu put pressure on health services across the UK.

Staff have faced rising numbers of flu cases and respirator­y illness. The main strains circulatin­g continue to be flu A(H3N2), known as Aussie flu, A(H1N1), known as swine flu, and Flu B.

Bethany left school last year to take a gap year before studying midwifery in Aberdeen. It’s understood she was taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness after becoming ill.

The Applecross Inn – where Bethany worked – paid its own tribute to her on its Facebook page: “Farewell to dear Bethany another fantastic member of our team who we sadly lost after a short illness, you were the ‘belle of the ball’.

“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.”

Her school said on Facebook: “It was a privilege to have taught Bethany. It is tragic to lose someone so young and the thoughts of the whole school are with Bethany’s family at this sad time.”

In Scotland, the flu rate for the first week of the month was four times the same week last year.

 ??  ?? Bethany Walker, 18, died in Inverness last week
Bethany Walker, 18, died in Inverness last week

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