Tributes have been paid to a young woman who died weeks after developing cold and flu symptoms. Bethannie Booth devastatingly sent loving messages saying goodbye to her family before she was put in a coma after developing sepsis after contracting Strep A and even gave instructions for her funeral.
The 24-year-old from Merthyr Tydfil first started feeling poorly on March 2 and her symptoms deteriorated over the next few days. She was rushed to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital after struggling to breathe and was immediately taken into resuscitation and then the intensive care unit where it was discovered her lung had collapsed as a result of Strep A infection. After five weeks of fighting in intensive care Bethannie sadly died surrounded by her parents and sisters on March 31.
Read more: The first warning signs and symptoms of sepsis you simply can't afford to ignore
Bethannie's parents, Wayne and Leanne Booth, spoke of their heartbreak, describing their world as "shattered" following their loss. Bethannie was the youngest of three daughters and was dearly loved by her older sisters Megan, 25 and Nia-Ffion, 27 and younger brother, Corey, 10. She was an auntie to Parker, three, Caled, four months, and Myles, nine weeks. Her sister Megan said Bethannie loved her nephews so much.
Talking about his primary school worker daughter 'Betts' Wayne said: "I have only one way I can explain Beth – imagine the best female has got the biggest angel wings, who would do anything for anyone, from a man living on the streets to a man in a mansion. She was so loved – the children [in her school] loved her, our grandchildren loved her. She had that wicked streak – we called her the weekend offender. She was professional from Monday to Thursday – she would go to work, be in bed by 9pm. Come Saturday then the music would be on by dinner time, there would be 20,000 girls and boy friends coming in and out of the house.
"They say the best get taken from us first – God needs his angels. It has ripped us all apart." Leanne added: "She's a character but she's the best friend you could ever have."
The primary school worker became poorly on World Book Day and contacted 111 to discuss her symptoms but she was told it was likely acne as she reported having red bumps on her face. A few days later she rang again and was advised to go to hospital. When she arrived at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Llantrisant she was taken straight to the ICU. She had a collapsed lung and other organs had started to shut down.
She was put in a coma before being transferred to Guy's and St Thomas Hospital in London where she spent two and half weeks on an ecmo (extra corporeal membrane oxygenation) machine which uses an artificial lung, essentially breathing for the patient. She also underwent surgery after developing a hole in her lung.
After her time on the machine Bethannie showed good progress and was able to come off it and was transferred back to the Royal Glamorgan. Wayne said the doctor even told her it was very unlikely she would die at this stage but she had a long road to recovery ahead. Sadly, five days later, sepsis returned and it was "uncontrollable" and Bethannie died surrounded by her parents and two older sisters.
Megan added that when Bethannie was in hospital the children at the school she worked at all wrote cards and messages to her. She said: "The one thing they all said was how much she made them laugh."
Megan continued: "She was the life of the party – she didn't take anything seriously. She was the most stubborn person but with the biggest heart – she was too sweet for the world. She was an absolute nuisance on a night out – she captured everything on her phone. She would give a piece of herself to everyone."
Devastatingly Megan revealed that before her sister was put in a coma Bethannie sent her older sister Nia-Ffion a text message which said she thought she was going to die and gave instructions for what she wanted at her funeral. Megan said: "When she first went into hospital she was on a drip. She was still awake and on her phone – she was taking videos of herself messing around. Before she was put under she sent Nia-Ffion a message with all her passwords then sent a message which said: 'I think I am going to die'."
Bethannie also sent her dad a final message, lovingly using her nickname for him, which said: "Fat boy don't worry, I will see you on the other side." Mam Leanne also received a message from Beth, saying: "Mammy don't worry I will be fine I promise, I love you so much Mam."
Beth had been back in the Royal Glamorgan Hospital for around five days before her condition worsened. Dad Wayne said that he, Leanne, Nia-Ffion and Megan were all there holding her hand when she died. They praised the doctors at both Guy's and St Thomas Hospital and the Royal Glamorgan Hospital for doing all they can to help them and her and thanked everyone from the consultants to the cleaners.
Bethannie's family really want people to learn more about sepsis and the signs that people should recognise and get medical help for. You can read about the signs and symptoms of sepsis here.
A fundraiser has been set up to support Bethannie's family with funeral costs at this devastating time. You can make a donation here.
Tributes on the page show just how much Bethannie was loved by everyone. Helen and Shaun Phillips said: "Boothy girl. You were not only my workmate but more importantly my friend. I couldn't ask for a more loyal, funny, inspirational, vivacious person who I'm privileged to call my friend. I will always miss you my darling beautiful girl. You show them up there how to party because you sure knew how to do it on earth."
Clare Jones added: "Goodbye my beautiful, caring , fun-loving friend. You lit up everyone's lives that had the honour to know you and love you."
Koolers, a Merthyr nightclub Bethannie used to visit, also paid tribute to her. In a statement they said: "We would like to give our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Bethannie Booth. Anyone who knew Beth would definitely agree she was the life and soul of any party. She would light up any room she entered with her kind heart, infectious smile, and funny jokes. You will definitely be missed by many! We will be raising a toast in your honour tonight as we all knew you loved a Saturday night out."
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