York Mum’s warning after son’s tragic death after taking MDMA
An inquest into the death of 16 year old Joshua Reeson has been held in Northallerton
A grieving North Yorkshire Mum is calling on young people to think twice before taking drugs.
15 year old Joshua Reeson died in York in 2020 from taking MDMA.
Following his inquest his Mum Michelle says she's determined to spread awareness to prevent experiencing the same heartbreak.
“I lost my 15-year-old son Joshua, to a drug overdose.
There are no words that can fully capture the pain, shock, and the emptiness that follows such a tragedy. His death cannot be for nothing, I intend to carry his memory forward with purpose. My son who gave so much for others would want me to spread awareness of how he died, to hopefully prevent others from having to experience the same terrible, needless heartbreak we, his family and friends, live with everyday.
Joshua was not just a son, a brother, a cousin, nephew, grandchild, great grandchild and friend, he was a light to everyone around him. His heart as big as he was, always eager to lend a hand, to listen, and to make people smile. He cared deeply for others, his kindness knew no limits, he was a boy full of life, with hopes and dreams for the future. He was, and still is, loved beyond measure, he had so much more to give to this world.
One spur of the moment decision, one wrong choice, and everything changed.
Drugs took Joshua away from us. The reality is this can happen to anyone, any child from any family, no matter how much love and care surround them. It is simply not enough to say “don’t do drugs”, we need to educate ourselves and our children about the dangers they pose, and the signs and symptoms of an overdose. We must speak openly about this issue so that our silence does not steal another child from us.
To any young person reading this please hear me when I say: please don’t experiment , don’t assume you are invincible, one time is all it takes. Your life matters. You matter. Don’t gamble it all away, you are worth so much more than any high.”
Where to get support
North Yorkshire Rise– young people's specialist drug and alcohol service- freephone 08000 14 14 80 (option 2)
North Yorkshire Horizons- adult specialist drug and alcohol service - freephone 08000 14 14 80
City of York Drug and Alcohol Service– https://www.changegrowlive.org/york/info
NHS– https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/
FRANK helpline and information - https://www.talktofrank.com/