A young make-up artist who died after inhaling nitrous oxide balloons posted a warning about the dangers of 'laughing gas' on social media just days before her death.
In her final post, Amy Louise Leonard, 20, shared a video from the back of an ambulance.
The caption revealed she had been left unable to walk for three days after inhaling nitrous oxide.
In the post, Amy - known to loved ones as Amy Lou - urged others to 'put your balloons down' as she explained the toll 'laughing gas' had taken on her health.
She wrote: 'I just wanna talk about balloons and what they are doing to your body. 'They can starve your brain of oxygen, cause dizziness, blackouts, and accidents, lead to long-term nerve damage with repeated use, put serious strain on your heart and lungs. 'It's easy to think it's just a quick buzz, but the risks are very real - and often underestimated and I am now hospitalised as I've not been able to walk for three weeks by doing these. 'All my calves are mashed up, my back has a nervous system what's failing and with this it's made me so depressed I've not been able to move absolutely anywhere and I'm in hospital now getting the help I need so put your balloons down because you'll only end up like me.'
The beautician from Bolton, Greater Manchester, was hospitalised on September 29 after the gas left her with fatal blood clots on her heart and lungs.
Despite the efforts of medics Amy died after three days in their care, turning her devastated mother Catrina Proctor's life upside down.
Ms Proctor, 39, said the family are still struggling to come to terms with the loss - but are determined to make sure Amy's message is heard.
Amy Lou was the life of the room and would always make people feel welcome, she was just so bubbly and happy.
Ms Proctor, who works at furniture retailer Dunelm, is determined to raise awareness of the deadly risks of balloons, which have become a popular high among young people across the UK.
Balloons are not harmless. What's wrong with just enjoying yourself with friends, without having to take drugs? What's wrong with a couple of wines and having a dance?
This is not a good way to enjoy yourself - it only offers a three-second high.
She added: 'I won't stop raising awareness of this issue, I don't ever want it to go away.'
Nitrous oxide is usually inhaled after being released into balloons from small silver canisters.
It gives a brief burst of euphoria lasting only seconds, but experts have warned that, in severe cases, it can lead to paralysis, clots or sudden death.
Nitrous oxide was reclassified as a Class C drug in 2023, meaning those caught using or supplying it can now face criminal charges.