Leah Betts' Ecstasy Death Sparks National Reckoning on Drugs 30 Years Later

In November 1995, 18-year-old Leah Betts tragically died four days after taking an ecstasy pill at her birthday party. The image of Leah clinging to life in the hospital became one of the most harrowing to be shown in the British media during that era.

Leah's parents, Paul and Janet, made the difficult decision to release the distressing photograph to the public, hoping to warn other families that this could happen to anyone. Their campaigning in the decade that followed Leah's death played a significant role in transforming the national debate on drugs in the UK.

The Betts visited around 2,500 schools, sharing Leah's story and the dangers of recreational drug use. They also supported the production of a short film called "Sorted" that was watched by an estimated 500,000 children. Leah's tragic death also inspired an episode of the popular TV show Hollyoaks, further raising awareness.

Thirty years later, Leah's legacy continues to be felt. Her story is still remembered by many adults who grew up during that time, and the Betts' family continue to receive messages thanking them for their bravery in sharing Leah's story. The conversations sparked by this tragedy have also led to better governmental policies around drug testing and contamination.

While Leah's death was undoubtedly a heartbreaking loss, her parents' courageous actions have ensured that her story lives on as a powerful cautionary tale, reminding us of the devastating consequences that can result from recreational drug use.