Mother's warning over aspirin danger

Lorna reacted to aspirin in a cold remedy

The mother of a girl who died after taking aspirin has called for a ban on the drug being sold over the counter.

Lorna Grocott, 13, from Leicestershire, died from a rare condition called Reye's syndrome.

She reacted to aspirin in a cold remedy.

Her mother, Julie, said the drug should be available only on prescription.

I have seen the effects it has and I think it needs better control

Julie Grocott

"It can have a devastating effect on the child, which it certainly did for my daughter, causing massive brain damage, liver damage and, in the end, heart failure and kidney failure.

"I certainly had never heard of this Reye's syndrome... It was a huge shock as to what happened to her."

Under law, aspirin packets already contain warnings about Reye's syndrome, and carry instructions not to give them to children under 12.

Prescription only

Last month, the Medicines Control Agency advised parents not to give the painkiller to children under 16 because of the Reye's syndrome danger.

However Mrs Grocott wants things taken further.

"I would like to see it as a prescription only drug.

"It is a potentially lethal drug.

"I have seen the effects it has and I think it needs better control."