Amy Louise Leonard, known affectionately as Amy Lou, shared a video warning about the dangerous drug nitrous oxide when she was left hospitalised and unable to walk
A young woman posted a video warning about the dangers of laughing gas from an ambulance just days before her death.
Amy Louise Leonard, 20, from Bolton in Greater Manchester shared the video on September 29. She urged people to “put your balloons down” as she voiced the way the drug, also known as hippie crack, had destroyed her life.
She tragically passed away just three days later, on October 2, from cardiac arrest after doctors discovered a blood clot in her heart and lungs.
The makeup artist said she had been unable to walk for three weeks because of her abuse of nitrous oxide, known colloquially as laughing gas. It can be fatal, leading to paralysis, clots or sudden death, reported the Manchester Evening News.
“It’s easy to think it’s just a quick buzz, but the risks are very real – and often underestimated and I am now hospitalised as I’ve not been able to walk for three weeks by doing these.
“All my calves are mashed up, my back has a nervous system what’s failing and with this it’s made me so depressed I’ve not been able to move absolutely anywhere and I’m in hospital now getting the help I need so put your balloons down because you’ll only end up like me.”
Nitrous oxide is used for medical and industrial purposes and comes in small metal canisters. Used recreationally, it is inhaled from a balloon to give a sensation of euphoria and relaxation for a few minutes.
The woman was hospitalised after a night out with friends.
Her grieving family are planning to celebrate her life by releasing pink balloons into the sky to the soundtrack of her favourite music at Bolton Rugby Club on Saturday (October 11) at 5.45pm.
Amy’s mum, Catria Proctor, 39, said: “Amy Lou was the life of the room and would always make people feel welcome, she was just so bubbly and happy.”
The mum is determined to raise awareness of the dangers of laughing gas, which have become popular among young people as a way to have fun.
She said: “Balloons are not harmless. What’s wrong with just enjoying yourself with friends, without having to take drugs? What’s wrong with a couple of wines and having a dance? This is not a good way to enjoy yourself – it only offers a three-second high.
“I won’t stop raising awareness of this issue, I don’t ever want it to go away.”
To help with her funeral costs, they have launched a fundraising page.
The news comes as Majorca has been targeted by laughing gas dealers, leaving British tourists slumped on the pavements and at risk of seizures and even death. Sales of balloons filled with nitrous oxide is now “rampant” on the streets of Magaluf.
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