On Good Morning Britain, Abimbola Duyile shared the heart-wrenching story of her daughter Hannah Jacobs, who tragically passed away last February.
Hannah, who was just 13, had a severe dairy allergy, which led to her untimely death after consuming a hot chocolate from a Costa Coffee store in Barking, East London.
Abimbola’s emotional recount highlights the profound impact this loss has had on her life.
The Fatal Mistake
The inquest revealed that despite Abimbola’s specific request for soya milk and instructions about Hannah’s dairy allergy, the hot chocolate was mistakenly made with cow’s milk.
This mistake led to Hannah collapsing just 30 minutes after taking her first sip, and she was pronounced dead a few hours later.
The inquest found that the coffee shop staff failed to follow proper allergy safety protocols.
A Mother’s Devastation
In her interview, Abimbola expressed the unimaginable pain of losing her daughter.
She described the experience as losing her entire world, emphasizing that no parent should endure such suffering.
The trauma of witnessing her daughter’s final moments, desperately trying to avoid death, is a pain Abimbola will carry forever.
She urges others to take precautions and ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.
Memories of Hannah
Despite the heartache, Abimbola fondly remembers the vibrant life Hannah led.
From enjoying outdoor activities like rock climbing to cooking meals for her family, Hannah brought joy and love into their lives.
Abimbola shared a touching memory of Hannah preparing a meal and giving her flowers after a long shift at work, underscoring the special bond they shared.
Call for Change
Following the inquest, a Costa Coffee spokesperson expressed their condolences, acknowledging the tragedy and admitting that their allergen processes were not adhered to on the day of the incident.
They assured that strict allergy training is in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Additionally, the Department of Health stated that they are working with the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation to improve support for those with allergies and will consider recommendations made by the coroner.
A Final Message
Abimbola’s heartfelt message to others is clear: always carry EpiPens and remain vigilant about allergies.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of adherence to allergy safety procedures and the need for continuous improvement in how allergies are managed in public spaces.
TDPel Media
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