Mum devastated after fire destroys bench for daughter who died from sepsis
A mother was left “devastated” after a bench erected in memory of her daughter, who died of sepsis at the age of 24, was destroyed in a fire.
Bethanie Booth from Merthyr Tydfil died in 2023 just a few weeks after the sore throat developed.
Doctors discovered he had strep A and his lung had collapsed. He developed sepsis and died with his family by his side.
“It took me back to when he took his last breath,” said his mother, Leanne Booth, describing the moment she heard the memorial was burning.
South Wales Police said it was continuing to investigate reports of an attempted arson attack on the memorial bench at around 4am on July 14.
The bench before and after the fire, with a wreath made by Leanne [Leanne Booth]
Leanne said: “It was as if someone had put their hand on my chest, squeezed my heart, ripped it out and branded it all over again. I was devastated.”
The bench was placed in a parkland near the family’s home in the village of Abercanaid.
Leanne said the plaque fixed to the bench was badly damaged and little remained of the bench.
Bethannie’s mum Leanne was ‘devastated’ after learning what happened to her daughter’s memorial bench [Leanne Booth]
The monument burned down in the early hours of Tuesday morning and council workers were securing the area when Leanne descended on the scene.
Bethannie played there with her friends when she was little, her mother said, and her family decided it was the perfect place for a memorial.
“He loved it there,” he said.
The bench was installed about two years ago.
“It brings back a lot of memories,” he said. “It’s so peaceful and beautiful there.
“It’s just disrespectful. I feel sorry for the person or people who did this because they must have such a sad life.
“I don’t understand the mentality of anyone… who enjoys doing this.
“The whole community is devastated,” he said.
What is sepsis?
[BBC]
Sepsis is a rare but serious medical condition that occurs when the body’s immune system, which is supposed to fight disease and infection, begins attacking the body’s own tissues and organs.
The NHS explains: “Sepsis can be triggered by an infection anywhere in the body. The most common sites of infection leading to sepsis are the lungs, urinary tract, abdomen (abdomen) and pelvis.”
It can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms may at first look like the flu, gastroenteritis, or chest infection.
It may take the form of unusual breathing, a physical rash, or a change in the appearance of the skin (for example, spotting or discoloration).
Merthyr Tydfil mayor Brent Carter said he and two other councilors for the ward had arranged for the remains of the bench to be removed and a new bench to be installed within the next few months.
