By Trend News Line 2024-04-12 06:55:03.
Heartbroken mother Sharon Cook, 54, is calling for the government to reclassify nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas or ‘hippy crack’, as a Class A drug after her daughter, Ellen Mercer, died from inhaling up to three large bottles of the substance. The 24-year-old business student from Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire passed away in hospital on February 9 last year after experiencing loss of feeling in her legs.
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An inquest into Ms. Mercer’s death revealed that nitrous oxide played a significant role in causing her untimely demise. Coroner Heidi Connor listed ‘long term complications due to nitrous oxide abuse’ among the causes of death, alongside bilateral pulmonary thromboembolism and deep vein thrombosis.
Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Ms. Cook expressed her grief and regret over her daughter’s tragic passing, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on the drug. She emphasized that if Ellen had been aware of the harmful effects of nitrous oxide, she would still be alive today.
The grieving mother shared that she still checks her messages every day, hoping to receive a message from her daughter on WhatsApp or Messenger. The pain of losing Ellen, who had bipolar disorder, has left a lasting impact on Ms. Cook and her family.
Ms. Cook believes that the legal status of nitrous oxide as a Class C drug is insufficient and is advocating for it to be elevated to a Class A substance, placing it on par with heroin and cocaine. She stressed the dangers of the drug, citing reports of 56 deaths in recent years linked to its use.
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Nitrous oxide was banned last year, with individuals found in possession of the drug facing legal consequences ranging from community orders to imprisonment. The substance, commonly used for recreational purposes due to its euphoric effects, can lead to unconsciousness or death from lack of oxygen if inhaled in large quantities.
Ms. Mercer’s tragic death has shed light on the risks associated with nitrous oxide abuse and the need for greater awareness and education about its harmful effects. The young student’s struggles with mental health, compounded by the loss of her father and inadequate support from mental health services, ultimately led to her fatal decision to use the drug as a coping mechanism.
Ellen’s brother, Joe Mercer, described his sister as kind, caring, and deeply thoughtful, highlighting her passion for art and creative pursuits. He echoed his mother’s sentiments about the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing adequate support to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
As Ms. Cook continues to mourn the loss of her beloved daughter, she remains steadfast in her call for action to prevent further deaths caused by nitrous oxide misuse. Her plea for stricter regulations and greater support for individuals struggling with mental health issues serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of drug abuse and the need for proactive intervention to save lives..
1. Daughter died inhaling hippy crack
2. Mother calls for nitrous oxide to be class A drug.
