Mum’s heartbreaking tribute to girl, 18, who died after being struck down with flu bug sweeping UK
THE devastated mum of a teenage girl who died after contracting flu says she is "broken".
Heather Teale revealed her daughter Bethany Walker, 18, passed away after she fell ill at home.
The talented student, of Applecross in Scotland, was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness after she developed pneumonia but died last Friday.
Devastated Heather took to Facebook to pay tribute to her "beautiful girl", adding "I am broken, the bottom has fallen out of my world."
In a Facebook post Heather wrote: "My beautiful Daughter Bethany Walker was taken from me.
"She had been suffering from a flu virus, which became pneumonia, she was airlifted to Raigmore with me by her side, 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 never be out of my thoughts as long as I live."
It comes as soaring numbers of Brits have been hit by Japanese flu in the last week, amid an Aussie flu outbreak.
Among those paying his respects 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 Facebook also paid its own special tribute:"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 planned to study midwifery and was due to enrol at Aberdeen University later this year.
Plockton High School in Wester Ross also paid tribute to former pupil Bethany.
The school said in a statement: "Bethany was a kind, caring, gifted and exceptionally conscientious student and a super role model for younger pupils both in the school itself and in the hostel where she resided during the week and where she was so well thought of by the residence staff.
"In S6 Bethany was appointed as our Deputy Head Girl and conducted herself so well on all public occasions and in carrying out her duties.
"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 and the hostel are with Bethany's family at this sad time."
A spokeswoman for NHS Highland could not comment on individual cases but said standard advice on the flu virus applied to the region.
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She said: "The flu vaccine is the best defence we have against the spread of flu and it isn't too late to get vaccinated.
"People suffering with flu-like symptoms should cough or sneeze into tissues and bin them immediately, wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water and frequently clean regularly used surfaces to stop the spread of flu.
"Avoid having unnecessary contact with other people if you or they have symptoms of flu."
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