Bethany got married!
Bethany was Natasha’s best friend. She was 14 years old when Natasha passed away - she was with her on the plane when Natasha experienced anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction and she held her hand in the hospital later that day, as my husband phoned me to say goodbye to my daughter for the last time. That terrible day was a turning point for the remainder of Bethany’s childhood and in the years that followed, as she carried the trauma and grief of losing her best friend.
Those of you who have followed our journey will be aware that Bethany is an Ambassador for the foundation, and has given talks and interviews to help raise allergy awareness. There has always been so much interest in how she is doing so I wanted to share the wonderful news, that Bethany got married!
She met a wonderful young man Tom at university, and the rest is history! They are such a special couple, we love them dearly and we couldn't be happier for them both.
On the day of their wedding, I could picture Natasha with us, beaming with happiness, teasing and laughing with her best friend and raising a glass to toast Bethany and Tom’s new beginning. Before we all left for the church service, Bethany presented me with a beautiful bouquet, identical to the ones her bridesmaids were carrying. She told me that it was Natasha’s bridesmaid bouquet and she asked if I would hold it that day, in memory of Natasha who should have been with us. As we hugged, you can imagine how the tears flowed.
Bethany and Tom are enjoying a beautiful new chapter in their lives together. I am so proud and happy for them both, excited to see Bethany experiencing such joy in her life, and I know with all my heart that Natasha would be too.