Dad’s tribute to beautician daughter, 19, who died after taking ecstasy
Heartbroken parents of Lauren Atkinson, 19, pay tribute to "one amazing girl" after rave tragedy
THE heartbroken father of a teenager who died after taking ecstasy at a sell-out rave has said "the world has lost one amazing girl".
Lauren Atkinson, 19, fell ill after taking the drug MDMA on a girls' trip to Manchester last weekend.
Earlier that night she attended the £35-a-ticket "Heldeep" rave under the city's Piccadilly Railway Station.
The teen, who worked as a beautician, was discovered in her room by friends at their rented apartment at 6.30am on Saturday.
Paramedics tried to resuscitate Lauren but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The day before her death she had posted online: "so excited - roll on tomorrow".
Her father grieving Nigel, 50, who runs Ulverston Rugby League Club, posted on Facebook: "On behalf of myself and Alison and all the family, I can't thank you enough for your kindness.
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''As parents we were blessed to have a daughter who touched so many. And was loved by everyone. The world has lost one amazing girl."
Lauren's mother Alison commented on a picture one of her daughter's friends posted as a tribute.
She said: "Hard to believe that was just over 24 hours ago" to which Sophie Jackson replied: "I would do absolutely anything to go back in time Alison."
Lauren, who lived in Ulverston, Cumbria, was attending the event with seven friends after booking into The City Warehouse ApartHotel in Great Ancoats Street, Manchester.
Police arrested two women aged 24 and 21 on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs on the day of the teenager's death.
Two men, aged 24 and 26, were arrested on Sunday for possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.
All were four bailed until February.
Friday night's rave, organised by the Warehouse Project, featured 15 DJs across four separate rooms at the underground car park which was formerly an air raid shelter.
After her friend's death Shannon Mansell posted on Facebook: "Absolutely heartbroken. Miss her so much already."
She added: "Absolutely devastated.
"She is an absolute angel and one that will never be forgotten"
Eleanor Edwards, boss of the beauty salon where Lauren worked as an apprentice, closed the shop premises as a mark of respect.
We were blessed to have a daughter who touched so many.... the world has lost one amazing girl
Lauren's father posted this heartbreaking message on Facebook
She also shared a tribute to her "dearest" friend who has been described as the "heart and soul of the salon".
Miss Edwards added: "It is with heart breaking sadness that I must inform you of the passing of our dearest friend and colleague Lauren.
";Could I kindly ask for your patience and understanding at this dreadful time.
"You will be missed by all my darling.
''Heart and soul of the salon. Our little Lauren. So blessed to have been a huge part of your life, I'll always be in your words 'the best boss ever' and also one of your bestest friends.
"My hearts go out to your family, love you always, god bless. sleep tight you angel."
Senior police officers have issued a plea to anyone who has taken the drug to seek urgent medical attention.
Supt Stephen Howard of Greater Manchester Police said: "This is a tragic situation, the death of a young person is always devastating, but in these circumstances, it is all the more heartbreaking. My thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.
"Sadly, we know it is very unlikely that the girl was the only person to have taken this drug.
"We are appealing to anyone who may have taken ecstasy, to get checked out. Even if you took it some hours ago, this pill will still be in your system and could be seriously harming your health.
"Anyone with any information about what happened or where this drug may have come from should contact police as soon as possible."
Last moth a 13-year-old girl fell from taking ecstasy and was rushed to hospital after her dad saw a clip of her on Snapchat.
In July this year Ryan Browne, 18, died in hospital after taking MDMA in Fabric, London.
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