In a harrowing account that underscores the fragility of youth health, a devastated mother has revealed her 17-year-old daughter's ominous last words: "Mum, I'm so tired" - hours before the vibrant teenager suffered a fatal cardiac arrest.
A Mother's Unthinkable Loss
Sarah White's world shattered when her daughter, Ellie, collapsed without warning at their family home. The academically gifted A-level student had shown no prior symptoms beyond exhaustion in the days preceding her tragic death last December.
The Final Hours
"She'd been revising for mocks and mentioned feeling tired, but what teenager doesn't?" Sarah recounts, her voice breaking. "That evening she came downstairs, hugged me and said she loved me. By morning, she was gone."
The Silent Threat: ARVC
Post-mortem tests revealed Ellie had arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) - a genetic heart condition often undetected until tragedy strikes. The British Heart Foundation estimates 12 young people die weekly from similar undiagnosed cardiac conditions.
Warning Signs Every Parent Should Know
- Unexplained fatigue during normal activities
- Fainting episodes during exercise
- Family history of cardiac issues
- Racing heartbeat without exertion
A Legacy of Awareness
Sarah has launched a campaign urging schools to implement cardiac screening programs. "If one family is spared this pain, Ellie's death won't be in vain," she says, clutching her daughter's favourite jumper.
Experts recommend immediate medical consultation for adolescents displaying persistent exhaustion coupled with any cardiac symptoms, however mild they may seem.
