Star comment: Tragedy of Eloise Parry is a lesson for society
Eloise Parry had everything to live for. She was a bright and articulate student who was working hard at university in Wrexham as she prepared to move into the world of work.
The 21-year-old from Shrewsbury was a high achiever who had prospects of a productive and successful adult life. Her hopes and dreams were shattered, however, when she took toxic diet pills that she had acquired online.
The tablets sped up her metabolism to such an extent that her body overheated. Her kidney, lungs and heart all failed. Though doctors worked hard to save her, they were powerless to prevent a fatal outcome.
Eloise's death is a modern-day tragedy and her family are left to pick up the pieces. Their grief is unimaginable. They slowly must come to terms with the fact that their darling daughter has been taken away. They must reconcile themselves to the fact that her plans for the future will be unrealised.
Eloise's family has shown remarkable courage in speaking out about her death. They want to make sure that there are no other victims. They are to be commended for doing so.
The pills that Eloise took were illegal to sell but available online nonetheless. Regulatory authorities need to look at the issue carefully, to see whether they can tighten up existing rules.
The issue also shines a spotlight on the pressure that young women feel under to live up to the often false expectations that the media portrays. Glossy magazines and TV programmes glamorise super-skinny lifestyles that are frequently unhealthy and unsustainable.
Young women are under the most pressure to live up to a so-called perfection. The commodification of women in advertisements, on TV and in newspapers frequently presents a distorted idea. A staggering 87 per cent of women aged 11 to 21 believe women are judged on looks, rather than ability. Young women are bombarded by images of "perfection" and the phenomenon has been the cause of eating disorders and worse.
Society needs to remind young women that they should not be brainwashed into being slim or unhealthy. They must be reminded that they are loved and valued for who and what they are – not how they look. Eloise will be remembered fondly and with great love and affection by all who knew her.
