‘Steer clear, drink beer': Teach teens the dangers of methanol poisoning says best friend of killed Laos tourist
Simone White, 28, a lawyer from London, was one of six tourists who died in November after becoming unwell whilst visiting the town of Vang Vieng, a popular stop along the backpacker route in Southeast Asia.
Simone had been backpacking with two childhood friends, staying at the Nana Backpacker Hostel, which offered free shots thought to be tainted with methanol.
Also hospitalised was Bethany Clarke, Simone's best friend, but she has since recovered. Bethany is now campaigning for a greater awareness of the risks of drinking alcohol abroad and methanol poisoning.
She told BBC Newsbeat that the group did not realise anything was wrong until they were kayaking the next day. Both she and Simone were flat on the backs of the kayaks, unable to move their arms.
"That was a moment where I thought I really don't understand what's happening to us. It just seemed like I was just having to accept my fate."
It took them a while to get treated for methanol poisoning, as Bethany said the doctors kept blaming their sickness ion food poisoning.
Methanol, which is tasteless and odourless, has been used in the manufacture of counterfeit replicas of alcohol brands or illegal local spirits, such as vodka.
The chemical can rapidly lead to serious illness, with long-term effects such as blindness and permanent damage to the nervous system, as well as comas, or even death if there is substantial exposure.
Bethany is now hoping that the dangers of methanol poisoning will be taught in schools, and is warning others to be mindful when drinking alcohol.
"The advice is from me: 'steer clear, drink beer'. Look up the symptoms, be mindful about where you're drinking,' Bethany told the BBC.
"Just don't let it be your best friend that dies from methanol poisoning."
Bethany has also set up a petition calling for the dangers of methanol poisoning to be put in the school curriculum across the UK.
The petition states, "children should be taught the dangers of consuming bootleg alcohol as part of the PSHE and/or Biology curriculum in school".
"I think it just needs to be a five-minute talk or possibly even some kind of public health advert, just giving the case study of Laos and saying this can happen," Bethany says.
"If people want to take the risk and drink it, at least they've been educated, and then they might even be able to spot some of the symptoms if they do happen to drink it."
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: 'We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in Laos, and we are in contact with the local authorities.'
The Foreign Office has also included in its travel advice for Laos the warning to take care if alcohol is offered, particularly for free, or when buying a spirit-based drink.
'If labels, smell or taste seem wrong, then do not drink,' it states. It adds that to protect yourself from methanol poisoning, you should buy alcohol only from licensed liquor stores, at licensed bars and hotels, avoid homemade alcoholic drinks, check bottle seals are intact and check labels for poor print or incorrect spelling.
The Independent has contacted the Department for Education for comment.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
14 minutes ago
- Business Wire
Medimaps Group Collaborates with National Spine Health Foundation to Advance AI-Based Bone Fragility Assessment in Spine Surgery
GENEVA, Switzerland--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Medimaps Group S.A., a global leader in AI-driven bone microarchitecture imaging solutions, today announced a new clinical research partnership with the National Spine Health Foundation (NSHF) - a nonprofit organization dedicated to patient education, research, and advocacy. Preoperative assessments of bone quality are critical for surgical planning and rehabilitation. Yet, bone fragility remains underdiagnosed in routine care. In this study, we will examine if TBS Reveal has the potential to fill this gap. Share The study, coordinated by NSHF and conducted at Mayo Clinic under the direction of Benjamin Elder, M.D., Ph.D., neurosurgeon and principal investigator, will evaluate the role of TBS Reveal for identifying spine surgery patients at elevated risk of intra- and post-operative bone fragility-related complications. The software uses standard preoperative X-rays and CT scans to derive Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) and a Bone Fragility Index, offering an AI-enhanced assessment of bone quality. Dr. Elder is a world recognized authority in spinal deformity, spinal oncology, and regenerative spine surgery. He directs Mayo Clinic's Stem Cell Therapeutics and Tissue Engineering Lab, with a focus on advancing bone health in spinal care. 'Preoperative assessments of bone quality are critical for surgical planning and rehabilitation,' said Univ. Prof. Dr. Didier Hans, CEO and Co-founder of Medimaps Group. 'Yet, bone fragility remains underdiagnosed in routine care. In this study, we will examine if TBS Reveal has the potential to fill this gap using widely available imaging and advanced AI interpretation. While originally developed as an opportunistic screening tool, this study will explore its potential role as a purposeful, on-demand assessment method in high-risk surgical populations such as those undergoing spine procedures.' In the United States alone, over 1.2 million spine surgeries are performed each year. Published data indicate that up to 46% of spinal fusions and one-third of lumbar decompressions result in complications, many of which are associated with poor bone quality 1-2. This collaboration reflects Medimaps Group's ongoing commitment to advancing bone health assessment through partnerships with leading academic and clinical institutions. By combining real-world data, AI-powered tools, and expert clinical insight, the company aims to improve surgical outcomes and support broader adoption of bone fragility assessment in musculoskeletal care. References 1. Alhaug, O.K., Dolatowski, F.C., Solberg, T.K. and Lønne, G., 2023. Predictors for failure after surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis: a prospective observational study. The Spine Journal, 23 (2), pp.261-270. S., 2013. Failed back surgery syndrome–definition, epidemiology and demographics. British journal of pain, 7 (1), pp.56-59. About the National Spine Health Foundation The National Spine Health Foundation (NSHF), a 501-C(3) public charity, is the only patient-centered non-profit organization dedicated to helping patients over the spectrum of spine health challenges through patient education, advocacy and clinical research. Learn more at About Medimaps Group Founded by medical practitioners and clinical researchers, Medimaps combines Swiss innovation with a global presence to lead in bone health management. We provide healthcare professionals worldwide with advanced AI-driven software that enables comprehensive bone microarchitecture assessment. Our passion for musculoskeletal health is underpinned by scientific knowledge, collaborations with world-class academics, clinicians, industry partners, and direct patient engagement. The science behind our cutting-edge imaging applications and clinical evidence forms the core of our company's DNA. Medimaps Group, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, has offices in the United States and France. Its U.S. affiliate, Medimaps Group USA LLC, markets the company products and services in the United States. Learn more at
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Adult social care vacancies down but domestic recruitment still ‘challenging'
The number of jobs in adult social care in England filled by British nationals has fallen by 85,000 since the pandemic, according to a report which warns of challenges ahead for recruitment in the long-stretched sector. Posts filled by people with a British nationality since 2020/2021 fell by 7%. The Government has previously pledged to 'end the reliance on overseas recruitment' but Skills for Care's latest report has said there must be a focus on 'how we attract and keep more people domestically'. In the most recent year alone, the twelve months to March, the number of posts filled by British nationals fell by 30,000, the organisation, which is the strategic workforce development and planning body for adult social care in England, said. The organisation measures posts filled rather than the number of people, because a person might hold more than one post and roles might also be shared. In rules which came into effect last week, new applications for care workers and senior care workers under the skilled worker visa were closed, as part of Government efforts in 'restoring control over the immigration system'. In April the Government implemented new rules saying that care providers would have to prove they had attempted to recruit a worker from within England, before looking overseas. The latest Skills for Care report said domestic recruitment 'remains challenging for the sector' and that the new immigration rules from July 'will make it more challenging for the sector to continue to grow in line with demand'. The organisation re-stated its previous projection that an extra 470,000 people will need to be employed in the sector by 2040 to meet the needs of a growing older population. The report said: 'A substantial increase in recruitment and retention of staff with a British nationality would likely be required to achieve this level of growth.' Under the previous Conservative government, a ban on international care workers bringing dependants to the UK led to a sharp drop in health and care visas in the months after the measure came in. The latest Skills for Care report said an estimated 50,000 people arrived in the UK in 2024/25 to start direct care-providing roles in the independent sector, down from 105,000 the previous year. Of the 50,000 recruited internationally, an estimated 10,000 came on a health and care worker visa, while the rest came on other routes, potentially including student visas and family members of people arriving in the UK on other visa types. Overall, the number of adult social care posts filled between 2023/24 and 2024/25 rose by 52,000 to 1.6 million. The vacancy rate has also fallen to 7.0%, with 111,000 vacant posts on any given day in the year to March. This is down from an 8.3% vacancy rate in the year to March 2024, when there were 126,000 vacant posts on any given day. The vacancy rate hit a high of 152,000 vacant posts a day in the 12 months to March 2022. Oonagh Smyth, Skills for Care's chief executive, said while the falling vacancy rate is 'encouraging', the sector 'can't afford to be complacent'. She said: 'We need to protect ourselves from the wild swings in vacancy rates driven by the wider economic picture. 'It's important to recognise that, while the vacancy rate in social care has reduced, it's still three times that of the wider economy.' She urged investment in 'stable recruitment and retention' and efforts to make roles 'more attractive to the domestic workforce over the long term' including through development opportunities, improving the quality of roles and supporting positive cultures within organisations. She added: 'We know there's lots more to do, though. Everyone, from Government to care providers, from regulators to frontline staff, has a role to play in building the workforce we need to deliver the best possible care and support for the people in our communities who draw on local services.' The Government has been contacted for comment.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Imported dogs 'posing risk to UK', RSPCA warns
A leading animal charity has called for all dog rescue organisations to be licensed amid growing concerns of behavioural issues and disease risks in imported pets. Thousands of dogs are brought into the UK each year, many of which are being sold to owners via websites and social media posts without any significant matching process or assessment. The BBC has spoken to numerous owners who have faced serious difficulties with dogs delivered to their door from countries such as Romania, Ukraine and North Macedonia, including infectious diseases and aggressive behaviour. David Bowles, spokesman for the RSPCA, described the process as like a "Deliveroo for dogs" and urged the government to consider stronger regulation for the sector. Currently, rescue organisations in Scotland must be licensed, but there is no such rule for England, Wales or Northern Ireland. 'Ticking time bomb' Secret recording as part of a BBC investigation showed multiple rescues operating through social media were happy to provide a dog following a short phone call, completion of an application form and a video check of their property. Analysis of 150 adverts on Facebook and a major online pet marketplace showed the majority were offering rescue dogs from Eastern European countries, with half suggesting dogs would be delivered to an owner's home in the UK. Most are run by well-meaning dog lovers, following rules around transportation and importation paperwork. But the lack of preparation and vetting for owners receiving previously unseen dogs straight to their door is causing concern among experts who say there is no way people can know the temperament of the animals. "The RSPCA's major concern is these dogs are essentially ticking time bombs - coming over, not being health tested," Mr Bowles said. "Diseases are now coming in through these dogs. They're affecting not just the dogs that are being imported, they could also affect the dogs already in this country and their owners. "They've almost set up a Deliveroo for dogs and that is a real problem." Growing cases of disease Scientists have been monitoring Brucella canis, a rare disease that can be passed to humans. Transmitted through a dog's reproductive fluids, it can present in humans as a short-term fever with flu-like symptoms such as aching muscles but some may suffer longer-term complications such as bone and joint disease. Before 2020 there were three known positive cases in dogs in the UK, but testing has increased and in 2024, 333 cases were being investigated, with at least one instance of it being contracted by a dog owner. Trudy Cain from Alfreton, Derbyshire, discovered rescue dog Nola was Brucella-positive four months after she arrived from Romania. She now faces rising vet and insurance bills and is worried about Nola's and her family's health, although she refused a vet's offer to put her to sleep. "My brain does not compute having a dog that looks healthy put to sleep," she said. "It just breaks my heart, it's been so hard. "I wanted to do a good thing and now I feel like I've done a bad thing." Dr Stephen Woolley, a consultant in tropical medicine and medical microbiology at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, said the risk of transmission from dogs to people was "very low", but described the disease as "under-studied and neglected". Many vets recommend that a dog that tests positive for the illness should be put down, but there are also those who say it can be managed by taking precautions around disinfection. Trading standards raid Sian Keen agreed to take a pregnant rescue dog from Ukraine and within days of arriving Narla gave birth to 11 puppies. But several weeks later, trading standards officers swooped on Sian's Somerset home and removed all 12 dogs over concerns they may have been imported with forged blood test documents. As a precaution against rabies, Narla, her puppies and 19 dogs belonging to other people were quarantined in kennels. After three weeks of investigations the dogs were freed, but when Narla returned home her behaviour had changed dramatically and she attacked Sian and her 12-year-old son. "She was just reactive in a way she had never been before, like she was an aggressive dog," said Sian. "I'd been bitten down my arm, I was in so much pain. The bite went right through to the muscle." They felt they had no choice but to put Narla to sleep. "There was just nothing we could do," said Sian. "Our intentions were completely and utterly for the right reasons. If I was looking for a dog now, I certainly wouldn't go to a rescue online." The organisation that Sian had used, Paw Help UK, based in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, said it deeply regretted the stress caused and added animal welfare and public safety were its highest priorities. It said it had not been aware documents had been forged and that they originated from a laboratory used on an emergency basis following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Only one consignment arrived with false documents in 2022, it added, and that all dogs brought in before and since had had fully legitimate paperwork. Government figures obtained by a Freedom Of Information request show 32,391 dogs entered the UK in 2024 as commercial imports, which includes many rescue dogs. Some UK-based rescue organisations said the prevalence of dogs coming into the UK and being placed with owners who could not cope was putting extra pressure on the sector. Emma Shaffery, of Forest Dog Rescue in Worcestershire, said: "We're basically having to mop up after rescues that aren't stepping up and taking responsibility for their dogs." The charity takes in dogs from the UK and abroad, but insists every new adopter meets the dog first. There is then a cooling-off period before the new owner can take their dog home. "It does blow my mind a little bit - you've seen a video and a few pictures and literally you adopt the dog, the dog's sent over and it could be dropped in to you at three o'clock in the morning," Emma said. 'Russian routlette' Dr Rowena Packer, a dog behaviour specialist at the Royal Veterinary College, said she was worried many owners were being paired with unsuitable dogs. Ms Packer said foreign rescue dogs might be traumatised from a long journey to the UK and could also suffer with early life trauma. "The situation right now is we have a lot of really well-meaning people in the UK engaging in either adopting these dogs or being part of organisations that import them that really want to help," she said. "I think it's a really big gamble as to what you're going to end up with because without clear information about lots of the elements of that dog's life and history, it's going to be difficult to match you with that dog. So it is a little bit Russian roulette here." When asked by the BBC if there were plans to introduce licensing for rescue organisations, the government did not comment specifically. A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said animal rescue organisations "must meet statutory welfare requirements". The spokesperson said members of the public could check if a rescue was a member of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes, which had "set clear standards". "The government is developing an overarching approach to animal welfare," they added. Rescue Roulette: Dogs from Abroad is on iPlayer now and BBC One in the West and East Midlands at 20:30 BST on 28 July Related internet links RSPCA Defra Forest Dog Rescue Dog import ban call as woman catches rare disease Disease row over imported 'kill centre' dogs Owner's shock as 'cockapoo' grows into 7st mountain dog Charity scrambles to save dogs amid cull fears Solve the daily Crossword
