Woman gave 'balloons' drug warning days before death

Amy Leonard died after warning others about the dangers of using nitrous oxide

A young woman posted a warning about the dangers of using nitrous oxide "balloons" on social media days before her death.

Amy Leonard, 20, from Bolton, filmed herself in the back of an ambulance on 29 September and shared the video alongside a Facebook post in which she described how misusing the gas had led to her being rushed to hospital.

In the post, she said using the gas could "starve your brain of oxygen, lead to long-term nerve damage with repeated use and put serious strain on your heart and lungs".

"It's easy to think it's just a quick buzz, but the risks are very real and often underestimated," she added.

She said her calves had been "mashed up" and she had been left with a "failing" nervous system and struggling to walk.

"Put your balloons down because you'll only end up like me," she added.

The misuse of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, soared during the coronavirus pandemic, especially among 16 to 24-year-olds.

Those using the gas as a recreational drug often inhale it from balloons, which have been filled using canisters with an intended use in the catering industry.

'Brave'

Ms Leonard's mother Catrina Proctor said her daughter had become increasingly ill and died in hospital on 2 October.

An official cause of death has not yet been established but Greater Manchester Police have been made aware of her death and have referred it to the coroner.

Possession of nitrous oxide for its "psychoactive effects" was made a criminal offence in England and Wales in 2023.

Intensive, frequent use of laughing gas can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency which can cause neurological damage, according to a government report.

Ms Proctor said her daughter had been "the most happy, bubbly person" who would "make everyone feel welcome".

Ms Leonard's mother said she wants to continue raising awareness about the substance

She said she did not know her daughter had been misusing the gas until she was hospitalised.

"I wasn't with Amy at the time she was rushed into hospital," she said.

"And when I went there to ask what had happened, she said she had been taking the balloons because she was depressed and that it took everything away from her."

Ms Proctor said her daughter had been "brave" to share her struggle so publicly before she died.

She said she wanted to continue raising awareness of the risks of nitrous oxide.

"We want to go to schools and colleges, we want the nitrous oxide warning out there to let people know how serious it is and what it can do to your body," she said.

"As a mother, you should not be burying your child."

According to DrugWatch organisation, symptoms of B12 deficiency from nitrous oxide use include a feeling of tingling, crawling or itching of the skin.

They can also include numbness in the hands and legs, a staggering unco-ordinated walk, lower limb weakness and muscle stiffness or twitching.

Ms Proctor said parents needed to watch for the symptoms.

"Just look out for those signs and if the children are showing those signs, take them straight to the hospital," she added.