Shropshire Star

Star comment: Need for action on toxic pills

It would be easy for the family of Eloise Parry to retreat. They have suffered the greatest imaginable trauma, with the death of their beloved daughter to toxic slimming pills.

Published

They had no reason to suspect Eloise was at risk of harm. They had no idea that she was dabbling with substances in order to become slim. And Eloise herself believed that the pills she was taking were safe and would not lead to such a tragic outcome.

The news that Eloise castigated herself for her own apparent stupidity when she knew that she was going to die is tragic. The final text messages sent by Eloise typify a brilliant and thoughtful young woman who left long before her time. They illustrate a youngster with grace and respect for others. She is portrayed as being sensitive, thoughtful and clever. Her remorse and regret at making the profoundest of mistakes is plain and clear.

Eloise did not intend to take her own life. She wanted to be slim, rather than die. She had a history of bulimia, though there was no intention to suffer catastrophic side effects from slimming pills.

Eloise had much to live for. She was on course to record a first class degree. She was set for the brightest of futures.

Since her tragic death, Eloise's family has epitomised strength and dignity. They have criticised the Chinese drug factories who advertise toxic pills as being slimming aids. And they have led calls for tighter regulation, to prevent a similar tragedy affecting another family. It is to be hoped their calls for action will be listened to and acted upon.

Shropshire Coroner John Ellery, no doubt mindful of the Parry family's desire for action, will write to the Government to seek remediation. He too hopes that the dangerous and toxic substance that led directly to Eloise's death should no longer be accessible to people seeking non-prescribed medication.

The death of a child brings with it an unimaginable sorrow for surviving family, friends and relatives. And the Parry family will forever hold Eloise dear in their thoughts.

They are immensely strong and courageous to fight against the scourge of toxic pills. They celebrate the memory of their daughter by doing so. It is to be hoped that the issue will not be forgotten and that legislators will intervene to prevent a similar accident.

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