A mother-of-two suddenly died earlier this year after taking 'skinny drops' to combat weight loss caused by a previous cancer battle.
Sarah Thompson, 34, from Connah's Quay in Wales, was tragically found dead at home by her teenage daughter in September.
She had been recovering from throat cancer, which led her to struggle with her weight.
Sarah was diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and had her voice box removed, leaving her needing a tube in her neck to help her breathe.
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As a result, it became difficult for Sarah to exercise and she started to feel 'depressed' about how she looked, her sister Gabriella revealed to ITV News.
Sarah began looking into weight loss drops after failing to meet the NHS eligibility criteria for licensed weight loss medication, leading her to discover 'fat burning serum'.
She purchased the drops during the summer and very quickly shed over four stone, giving her 'a lot more confidence'.
But five weeks after Sarah began taking the drops, she became unwell, suffering with vomiting and struggling to keep down food or liquid.
Days after these symptoms occurred, Sarah was found dead in her bed by her 16-year-old daughter.
Gabriella said of her sister's tragic passing: “I wouldn’t wish this pain upon anyone. My sister was young, she was 34-years-old. She had her whole life ahead of her, she had so many things planned. She had ambitions - but she’s not going to be able to do that.”
Sarah's loved ones are still waiting for test results to confirm the official cause behind her death, but believe the drops were to blame.
Her family have certain the 34-year-old would not have taken the drops if she knew the risks involved.
Gabriella said: “As much as she wanted be skinny, I don’t think she would’ve taken them if she knew exactly what was in them, and there was a risk of her never seeing her children again. I know she wouldn’t have.”
North Wales Police told ITV News that they attended at the time of the report and have submitted all necessary paperwork to the coroner.
A government spokesperson said: “Every death from the misuse of drugs is a tragedy for those who have lost their lives, our thoughts are with their friends and families.
“Through our mission driven government, we will take preventative public health measures to tackle the biggest killers in society – including drug misuse – and better support people live longer, healthier lives.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
Danni King