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The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Mum issues chilling warning after her ‘gorgeous' daughter, 15, died of an accidental paracetamol overdose
ALICE Clark was like any other 15-year-old girl - excited for her prom, a lover of animals, Christmas and her family. But in December 2024, after being off school sick for two days, with her mum Joanne Garcia-Dios watching over her , she died of a paracetamol overdose . Advertisement 10 Alice Clark died in December 2024. Mum Joanne Garcia-Dios and her family, from West Parley, near Bournemouth, Dorset, do not believe Alice meant to end her life Credit: Bauer 10 Alice, who was 15 years old when she died, was described as 'beautiful and smiley' Credit: Bauer When Joanne, 43, found her daughter incoherent in her bedroom, she discovered from friends that Alice had taken a fatal dose of the painkiller days before. Joanne and her family, from West Parley, near Bournmouth, Dorset, do not believe Alice meant to end her life, and are petitioning for the law to change regarding the sale of paracetamol. Here, she tells her story and makes a plea to all parents... Advertisement IT was a summer's day, but as I walked into the kitchen, it smelt like Christmas. As 'Merry Christmas Everyone' blasted from the speakers, my daughter Alice, then 11, turned to me, flour dusted on her cheeks. 'What do you think, Mum?' she said, pulling out a tray of gingerbread men. 'They're perfect, sweetheart, but it's only August!' I chuckled. 'You know Christmas is my favourite time of year,' she grinned. 'I couldn't wait!' Advertisement Alice was always making me, her stepdad Rudi and brother Jake, 17, laugh. Jake and Alice were each other's worlds. Alongside Christmas, Alice adored animals and enjoyed collecting snails and woodlice from the garden, making them her pets. Scientists discover that even really low doses of paracetamol could damage your heart She was family-orientated too, and loved spending time with my parents – who she called Nanny and Bop-Bop – and her dad, Rob. Before I knew it, my little girl had turned 15. Her GCSEs were her next big exams and after that, her prom. Alice had sent me photos of prom dresses she liked, all in her favourite shade, baby blue. Advertisement I knew she would look like a princess, with her blonde hair and model looks. At Christmas, she had a tree up in her room, decorated with Jellycat teddies. It was a December morning when I went into her bedroom, but she didn't seem herself. 'I've got a funny tummy,' she said. 'Don't worry about school today,' I told her. Advertisement I was working from home so I could keep an eye on her. She spent the day on the sofa, but later, seemed to rally. She went to her orthodontist appointment and was her normal chatty self. But the next morning, she texted me from her room. 10 Alice took two days off school, during which time she vomited and told Joanne her tummy hurt - but she was also chirpy and went to a dentist appointment Credit: Bauer 10 Snapchat and TikTok messages from Alice showed she had taken several paracetamol tablets in one go over several hours, says Joanne Credit: Bauer Advertisement 10 Joanne on her wedding day to Rudi three years ago with her bridesmaid Alice and son Jake, who gave her away Credit: Bauer 'I've been sick and my tummy hurts,' she wrote. Alice was sick a few more times that day, but she was also laughing and joking. 'I'm popping out for a bit,' I said to Alice later. 'Do you need anything?' But when she replied, she wasn't making sense and slurring her words. Advertisement What Alice's friend told me left me reeling Mothers' instinct kicked in - could it be a 'What's your brother called?' I asked. 'I don't have a brother,' she replied. I asked her what month it was, thinking she had to know with the Christmas tree right beside her. But to my shock, she was stumped. 'I'm ringing 999,' I said to Rudi. Back at hospital, doctors told us the next few days were critical. As the hours passed, we held Alice's hands and stroked her hair. Joanne Garcia-Dios Alice Clark's mum As we waited for paramedics, Alice's phone didn't stop ringing. Advertisement 'Alice is really poorly and can't talk now,' I told her friend. But what he said sent me reeling. He told me my girl had taken an overdose of paracetamol two days ago. 'No way,' I said, not believing it. But the first thing I did was tell the paramedics. How much paracetamol is dangerous? The NHS says the absolute maximum dose of paracetamol that adults can take is eight 500mg tablets in 24 hours. This is four 'doses' of one-two 500mg tablets. You should always leave at least four hours between each dose (one-two tablets). The NHS warns no matter how bad your pain is, do not risk taking more than the recommended dose. Read more on paracetamol: How many paracetamol are dangerous? Can you take Can you take Can you take Can you take How long does paracetamol take to work? 'This isn't my daughter, but I'm relaying what I've been told,' I said. Alice was so sensible, and had seemed absolutely fine. Advertisement She was rushed to hospital, where they ran tests all night. Rudi, Rob and I were beside ourselves. Alice was falling in and out of consciousness and so confused, as we stayed by her side all night. The next morning, the doctor came to see us. 'Alice has acute They believed it was caused by taking too many paracetamol tablets. Alice was given dialysis treatment, but wasn't improving. Advertisement We were told that Alice would need to be put into an induced coma and moved to a specialist hospital in London. 'It'll give her brain the best chance of survival,' the doctor said. 10 Alice told a friend she had 'done something silly', leaving her family with the belief that she had not intended to end her life Credit: Bauer 10 Joanne says Jake and Alice were 'each other's worlds' Credit: Bauer 10 Joanne says the crush of losing her daughter was 'excruciating', and she tried to piece together what happened in the days before her death Credit: Bauer Advertisement While Alice was transferred by ambulance, I picked up Jake. Back at hospital, doctors told us the next few days were critical. As the hours passed, we held Alice's hands and stroked her hair. Heartbreaking goodbyes By 10pm, we hadn't slept for so long, so we decided to go and get some rest. 'Good night, Alice,' I said, kissing her forehead, before Jake and I went to the family accommodation. Advertisement Only 10 minutes later, Rob called me. 'You need to get back now,' he said. Jake and I ran to her ward. Rudi and one of my sisters had just been driving home, but they turned back too. 'I'm so sorry, but Alice isn't responding to treatment,' the doctor said. Then suddenly she went into After 25 minutes, she came round, but moments later, they were working on her again. Advertisement Jake was too upset and waited in the family room with his auntie, my sister, while Rob and my husband tried to shield me from what was happening. But despite trying for another half an hour, they couldn't save Alice. I let out a cry of pain as Rudi held me. I'd never believed she wouldn't make it, never thought I'd need to say 'I love you'. The loss was excruciating. Advertisement We were allowed some time with Alice, and Jake helped the nurse take Alice's hand and footprints. Searching for answers The next days sped by in a blur of grief and confusion. I just couldn't understand why Alice had taken the pills and how she'd deteriorated so quickly. The police took her phone to glean clues from her messages. In time, we held Alice's funeral, where everyone wore a splash of baby blue. Advertisement Car-loving Alice would have been thrilled to be escorted to her prom in a supercar, but she'd never get that chance, so my son-in-law contacted three supercar owners to accompany her on her final journey. As her coffin was carried out of the car, the drivers of the cars, including a Lamborghini and Ferrari, revved their engines. My eulogy, which was read out by the priest, talked of her love for her family, Jellycats, cars and loud music. 'Alice left this world far too soon, leaving behind so many people who absolutely adored her,' he said. 'She leaves a huge emptiness in the hearts of everyone who loved her.' After police returned Alice's phone and I'd spoken to her friends, I pieced together, as best as I could, what had happened before she died. Advertisement My beautiful, smiley Alice never appeared to be in a dark place and her struggles with mental health escalated so quickly, it came as a horrendous shock to us all. Joanne Snapchat and TikTok messages from Alice showed she had taken several paracetamol tablets in one go over several hours. She'd received harassing, then nasty messages from school pupils and also had the stress of looming exams. Although she'd told several of her peers she had taken the pills, none of them had told an adult. I learnt that if caught early, doctors could have pumped her stomach and even 24 hours later, they could have given her medicine that reversed the effects. If only someone had said something, I thought, desperately. Advertisement We don't believe Alice realised the severity of what she'd done, or that taking that many paracetamol could kill her. We believe that Alice thought that by being sick she was getting them out of her system. 'I've done something silly' By the time any of us, including her, realised something serious was wrong, she wasn't talking properly or making any sense. Even in those conscious moments, she still didn't tell us what she'd done. She told one of her boy friends, "I've done something silly" - we don't believe she meant to end her life. Advertisement As time went on, I did more research and was shocked. People saw paracetamol as harmless and readily available, but thousands were admitted to hospital with overdoses every year. I wanted everyone to know the dangers, that medicines should be locked away, even if parents thought they had sensible children. I've started a petition to call for the medication to be taken from supermarket shelves and placed behind the counter at a pharmacy, where it can be dispensed by a pharmacist. I also want to raise awareness of the Advertisement My beautiful, smiley Alice never appeared to be in a dark place and her struggles with mental health escalated so quickly, it came as a horrendous shock to us all. My life's purpose now is to raise awareness of her death and prevent this from happening to anyone else. In the name of my gorgeous girl, I'm determined to save others. 10 Alice, in the paddling pool as a child, loved Christmas, animals and Jellycats Credit: Bauer Advertisement 10 Joanne is petitioning for paracetamol to be taken off supermarket shelves and placed behind the counter at a pharmacy Credit: Bauer
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Primark shoppers say 'forget Labubu' after spotting 'cute' new £4 item
The viral Labubu dolls might have a new competitor, as Primark has released a popular alternative Primark shoppers "need" a new £4 item that could rival Labubus. The viral dolls are everywhere this summer, as shoppers race to buy the must-have toys, which are often used as bag charms. However, some fans are saying "forget Labubus", as they prefer Primark's offering. The retailer has introduced a "cute" £4 teddy bear bag charm. The popular accessory was showcased in a viral video shared by TikTok user @kadymcwilliam2. She highlighted the teddy bear charm after spotting it during a visit to Primark's Glasgow Argyle St store. Kady wrote: "New bear bag charm in primark!" Her video has since received over 110,000 views and more than 10,000 likes. Viewers loved what they saw and rushed to the comment section under the video to share their excitement. One fan of the look said: "Forget a labubu this is what I want." Someone replied: "I agree 100%" and a Primark fan added: "Real." Another comment read: "This is my version of labubu." Less impressed, a different shopper thought their Labubu was "better", but lots of viewers loved the "cute" design. Someone replied: "I so need one." A keen shopper echoed: "I need that bear." A different response said: "So cute," while a social media user commented: "Omgggg." More praise came from a fan who said: "Wait it's so cute," and their friend replied: "You know I love a good bag charm." It looks like the bag charm is not currently available on Primark's website, so shoppers are advised to check their local store. However, the retailer does offer a selection of bag charms on its website, including a £5 Beaded Avocado Charm, a £5 Disney's Stitch Bag Charm, a £4 Rita Ora Heart Bag Charm, and a £4 Pom Pom Pearl Bag Charm. Other options include a £3.50 Furby Glitter Bag Tag, a £2.50 Hello Kitty Bag Charm, a £2.50 Hello Kitty Furry Bag Charm. Meanwhile, Primark Home offers a bear-themed range which could be ideal for shoppers looking for similar decor. The range includes bedding, kitchenware, and clothing. For example, there's a £10 Teddy Bear Square Cushion, a £6 Tufted Bear Storage Basket, a £3.50 Ceramic Bear Shaped Mug, a £4.50 Coquette Teddy Bear Throw, and a £3 Bear Card Holder Alternatively, for those who are set on a teddy bear bag charm, it could be worth browsing options from different retailers. H&M offers a £9.99 fluffy bag charm, and one of the options is a light brown teddy bear. The product description says: "Bag charm with a padded soft toy in fluffy fabric featuring a carabiner hook for easy attachment to your bag." Elsewhere, Jellycat offers a £23 Bartholomew Bear Bag Charm. The product description says: "Some of the best things in life come in small packages – and this travel-sized teddy accessory, inspired by the most popular Jellycat of them all, is no exception!"
Buzz Feed
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Choose Jellycats And I'll Guess Your Aesthetic
Wanna design your own Jellycat? Use the generator below and share your results in the comments!
New York Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Egg-Freezing, Divorce — and More (Unexpected) Reasons to Give a Gift
In this edition of The Gift, we make the case for delighting your loved ones when they least expect it. Say, if they freeze their eggs? Plus, the best gifts for Gen Z and what to give a hobbyist. Last summer, I schlepped to my friend Madi's apartment carrying a tote bag crammed with delicate pressed paper, soft pink ribbon, gold washi tape, and all manner of stickers. Madi and I were on a mission: to craft a present for our friend Courtney, who was preparing to freeze her eggs. Egg-freezing is not exactly a traditional gift-giving occasion. There wasn't an egg party (although that's a really good idea — write that down), and Courtney didn't register for egg-freezing gifts (again, would have been brilliant). But in more than a decade of friendship, Courtney has celebrated Madi and me over and over again: ordering custom confetti to mark our engagements, stuffing gift bags for our bachelorette parties, and even showing up with a pastry-shaped Jellycat after I finished baking every recipe in a cookbook. This occasion certainly felt just as momentous, if not more so, than those. And she was going to need our help getting through 12 days of self-administered shots. What to gift her, though, was a puzzle. Freezer food seemed too dire; flowers too maudlin. Then Madi pitched a perfect plan: We give her 12 treats, one to open after each round of shots, like a wacky, very-much-out-of-season Advent calendar. Taking inspiration from my colleague, editor Catherine Kast, who is on the record as queen of DIY Advent calendars, I retrieved an empty, years-old one to repurpose. Then I went hunting for joyful, tiny treats to fit in each pocket: things like a baby Baggu in the strawberry print, delectable Swedish gummies (Madi did not let me get the egg-shaped ones — apparently too on the nose), glossy lip balms, sample-sized vials of perfume, scrunchies, and micro claw clips. If I were doing this again, I would toss in an adorable fruit-shaped bag charm, too. We tucked each prize into a pocket, taped floral-patterned paper over all the openings, and tied it with a rose-colored bow to finish. You don't need big, celebratory life events to give your friends presents. Sometimes the littler moments — when they're going through something difficult or facing a big change — can be the most meaningful times to show up with a treat. When writer Ivy Elrod's sister was taking the bar, Ivy gave her a big, snack-y care package to fuel her, and 'she ended up being the only lawyer with snacks in the exam.' (This Japanese snack box is a particular favorite of my gift-expert colleagues.) I love the idea of giving a friend who is finalizing a divorce something celebratory, as long as it feels appropriate — writer Alexander Aciman once delighted a recently divorced friend with these vibrant, handblown champagne flutes. And on a sillier note, after newsletters editor Haley Jo Lewis' boyfriend finished putting together their home office, he unveiled it with a mini inflatable tube man on her desk — a sorry-for-the-house-being-a-wreck present. And as for Courtney, after the first few days, she was a total pro at handling the needles, breezily jabbing herself after breakfast or on the couch, mid-Love Island episode. But still she sent pictures of her prizes afterward, grinning, the animal-shaped ice packs that she stuck to her abdomen after each prick peeking out above her waistband. 'Your support was the actual gift, obviously,' Courtney said. 'But the calendar was a small reminder of it every day.' Which is, in my opinion, exactly how a gift should feel — no matter the occasion.
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Thrifter finds 'world's best car boot sale' for bargains and it's closer than you think
A thrifting fanatic has revealed the location of what she believes is the 'best car boot sale in the world', and she claims it's full of great bargains and makes for a perfect family day out If you love a good bargain, you will no doubt be a fan of attending car boot sales, where the possibility of unearthing a hidden gem is often too tempting to ignore. That's the case for Becky Chorlton, who regularly documents her thrifting adventures and the discoveries she makes in discount stores on social media. "My most asked question is, 'How do you find the best car boot sales - and which one is your favourite?'" Becky began in a TikTok video. Sharing footage from such a location she described as the "best in the world," she revealed it opens every Saturday and Sunday from 6am to 1pm, with a 50p per person charge to get in. Becky went on to explain that the site is "absolutely huge" and bustling with buyers and sellers alike. "It takes a solid few hours to get round the whole thing," she continued, as she pointed out on-site facilities including a burger van that offers a full English breakfast, face-painting for the kids as well as a hairdresser and a live band performing. Becky went on to tease that the car boot also includes a butcher, a fresh produce vendor and "rows upon rows" of stalls. On this particular visit, she said she managed to "score so many bargains," including Jellycat soft toys, vintage clothes and things for the house. "Most items were only £1," Becky hailed. "It's a proper family vibe and a good day out - there's something for everyone and we actually ended up leaving with four giant IKEA bags full of stuff - that's how good this car boot sale is." Of course, the burning question is: where can this car boot sale be found? "If you're in the area - and even if you are not - this place is 100 per cent worth visiting," Becky closed as she detailed on screen that it is located in Skirlington, near Driffield in East Riding of Yorkshire. Writing in response to the video, one of the car boot sale's organisers added further details: "£10 a car, £14 a van - great value for such a busy car boot! "The new Saturday events are thriving, perfectly located near Hornsea, Bridlington and Beverley on the East Coast. Find us at YO25 8SY, Hornsea Road, Skirlington Market." A second person was just as impressed by it, declaring: "I love Skirlington car boot! Got lots of bargains there!" A third added in shock: "Omg this looks INSANE! Actually a day out!" Whilst a fourth TikTok user pointed out: "It's even bigger at Easter, we go every year!" To which Becky replied: "Yep and Bank Holiday weekends are huge too."
