Friend Met an Untimely Demise from Illegally Produced Liquor - Awareness of Potential Hazards Essential
Rewritten Article:
Friend of Londoner tragically lost to bootleg booze sets up petition for school education on dangers
The heartbroken friend of a Londoner who perished from methanol poisoning is advocating for schoolchildren to be educated about the hazards of illicit alcohol.
Bethany Clarke, 28, shared a tragic night out with Simone White in Laos last November. Along with other backpackers, they were offered free booze at a bar – a common occurrence along the traveler trail.
The following day, both women fell ill during a kayaking adventure and were transported to the hospital with an initial diagnosis of food poisoning. Their conditions rapidly deteriorated, and they became weak and disoriented.
Unfortunately, Simone, then 28, from Bromley in south east London, passed away while Bethany, in agony, made a painful recovery.
Five others, drinking at the same bar in Vang Vieng, also died from methanol poisoning on the same night.
Authorities in Laos are still investigating but have acknowledged methanol poisoning as the cause of death.
Determined to prevent others from enduring the same tragedy, Bethany now aims to raise awareness about the dangers of methanol. A highly toxic substance, it can be found in industrial products and occasionally in cheaper alcohol production.
Bethany has launched a petition, urging the government to include a warning about methanol poisoning risks in the school curriculum, either in PSHE (Personal, Social, and Health Education) or Biology classes.
"I don't want what happened to my best friend to happen to another family," Bethany shared with Metro, describing Simone as a responsible and intelligent friend who had always been careful. "It's devastating. We were in a vulnerable situation, and there was nothing we could do."
Bethany's petition currently has nearly 1,800 signatures and needs 10,000 to trigger a government response. With more signatures, it could also push for a parliamentary debate on the issue.
Simone and Bethany met at primary school and shared a deep bond, traveling extensively as adults. "Sometimes I randomly remember that I don't have a best friend anymore," Bethany confessed, "and our last exchange appears as a blurred image in my mind."
Two Danish women, ages 20 and 21, two 19-year-old Australians, and a 57-year-old American man also lost their lives in the same incident.
Recent London News
- Manhunt intensifies for two missing schoolgirls in east London
- Suspected Russian spies are thought to be eavesdropping on London's hotspots
- Plans to revitalize London Liverpool Street Station unveiled
To stay updated on the latest news from the capital, check out Metro's London News Hub.
In an effort for more awareness and education, some countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia have taken initiatives to educate their people about the dangers of methanol poisoning, usually through public campaigns. However, there is currently a lack of standardized and widespread efforts across the globe.
For more stories like this, visit our news page.
- In response to a tragic loss, a friend of a Londoner seeks to educate schoolchildren about the hazards of illicit alcohol and methanol poisoning.
- Bethany Clarke, a Londoner herself, shares a heartbreaking story of losing her friend, Simone White, to methanol poisoning in Laos.
- Simone White, aged 28 from Bromley, passed away after both she and Bethany became ill from what initially appeared to be food poisoning during a kayaking adventure in Laos.
- The incident involved other travelers who also lost their lives, five in total, due to methanol poisoning from a bar in Vang Vieng, Laos.
- Authorities in Laos are investigating the cause of death, but have acknowledged methanol poisoning as the leading cause.
- Bethany Clarke aims to raise awareness about the dangers of methanol, a toxic substance found in industrial products and sometimes in cheaper alcohol production.
- Bethany Clarke has launched a petition, urging the government to include a warning about methanol poisoning risks in the school curriculum.
- The petition aims to gather 10,000 signatures to trigger a government response, potentially leading to a parliamentary debate on the issue.
- Bethany and Simone met at primary school and shared a deep bond, traveling extensively as adults before their tragic encounter in Laos.
- Other victims of the Laos incident include two Danish women, two 19-year-old Australians, and a 57-year-old American man.
- To prevent others from suffering the same fate, Bethany is working to bring attention to the dangers of methanol and advocate for school education on the subject.
- The science behind methanol poisoning and its connection to alcohol consumption is an important aspect of this ongoing discussion.
- Workplace wellness initiatives often focus on addressing various medical conditions, chronic diseases, respiratory conditions, and digestive health.
- Mental health, a crucial component of overall health and wellness, is a growing concern in both men's health and women's health.
- Fitness and exercise play a significant role in maintaining cardiovascular health, skin care, and general well-being.
- Eye health, hearing, and sexual health are additional areas that require attention and education.
- Autoimmune disorders, affecting various parts of the body, are complex conditions requiring specialized therapies and treatments.
- Aging is a natural process that affects everyone, but understanding how to manage weight, maintain skin conditions, and handle various common ailments can improve Quality of Life.
- Parenting is a challenging task that requires continuous learning, self-development, and personal growth.
- Education and self-development can lead to better job opportunities, career development, and success in a variety of fields, such as casino and gambling.
- Blackjack, poker, slots, and other casino games are popular forms of entertainment, but they can also lead to addiction and financial problems.
- Policy and legislation play critical roles in regulating industries such as casinos and addressing issues like drug abuse, including the misuse of alcohol.
- Other problems like car accidents, fires, sports-related injuries, and crimes also require policy and legislative action.
- Wars and conflicts often lead to displacement and migration, affecting numerous aspects of individuals' lives, including their health.
- Sports, especially football, soccer, baseball, hockey, golf, basketball, and American football, are popular worldwide and provide entertainment, fitness, and a sense of community.
- Sports betting is a common aspect of these sports, but it can sometimes lead to problematic gambling behaviors.
- Racing, auto-racing, horse racing, and mixed martial arts are other examples of sports that attract spectators and athletes alike.
- Tennis and sports analysis offer insights into technique, strategy, and performance.
- Aging can lead to skin conditions like wrinkles or age spots, necessitating adequate skin care.
- Balancing health, wellness, and personal interests is essential for maintaining mental health and overall well-being.
- Life is full of unexpected twists and turns; staying informed, making informed decisions, and taking action to improve one's life are key aspects of personal growth.
