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Toddler's Death: Button Battery Burns Through Oesophagus
21 Jan
Summary
- A two-year-old girl died after swallowing a button battery.
- The battery burned through her oesophagus and a major artery.
- Her mother advocates for awareness after the tragic loss.
A devastating incident occurred on May 21, 2021, when two-year-old Harper-Lee Fanthorpe tragically died after swallowing a button battery. Her mother, Stacy Nicklin, recounted the harrowing events that began on a seemingly ordinary Sunday morning.
Initially, Harper-Lee displayed symptoms of throat discomfort, which her mother attributed to a recurring tonsillitis. However, the situation rapidly escalated when Harper-Lee began spitting blood, prompting an emergency response.
Upon arrival at Royal Stoke University Hospital, surgeons discovered a button battery lodged in the child's body. This battery had caused severe internal damage, burning through her oesophagus and a critical artery connected to her heart.
Despite efforts to transfer her to Birmingham Children's Hospital, doctors determined Harper-Lee would not survive the journey. Her mother expressed immense shock and devastation upon hearing the prognosis.
Since her daughter's death, Stacy Nicklin has committed the past five years to raising awareness about the severe risks posed by button batteries. She aims to prevent other families from experiencing similar profound loss and grief.
