Layla

This is Layla; she was only 16 years old when her life was unexpectedly taken. She was beautiful and intelligent, loved and cherished by so many people, and had her whole life ahead of her.

she started college this year and just in 3 short months had made so many new friends. Some of her closer friendships made her more outgoing than ever, and she was also finding love in a new relationship. She started working for the first time, and even at work, she made some close bonds. Most of all, she was loved by her family: her mum and dad, sister, three brothers, grandmas, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was the first born out of her siblings

and to her parents she was the most perfect thing to ever come into their lives. Beauty that would light a room and intelligence that even had her college interviewer give her hope at getting into Oxford University.

Layla suffered from long and painful menstrual cycles for the majority of her life. Friends with similar problems had mentioned to her that the contraceptive pill had helped them and could possibly help her, so she decided to give it a try. She started taking the pill on November 25th and was pleased that they had very quickly helped with an issue she has had to put up with for such a long time.

On Tuesday, December 5th, Layla began experiencing migraines. These attacks persisted for the rest of the week, and on Friday, December 8th, they were accompanied by vomiting.The vomiting was so severe by Sunday that her family decided to get in touch with the 111 NHS helpline. The family was informed that there were no red flags and was advised to see the doctor in the morning. First thing on Monday morning, Layla went in to see her GP, vomiting multiple times while there. After being checked over, she was told it was most likely the stomach flu and was given medication to help with the vomiting.

That same evening, her mother heard her screaming out in agony in her bed, and after calling 111 and her doctor for help with no success, her family decided to take her to the hospital themselves. Before leaving the house, Layla attempted to go to the toilet, but somehow she fell or collapsed and lost some functionality in her legs. They took her to A&E, and after a great deal of time, it was discovered that Layla had developed a blood clot in her brain. The blood clot caused significant swelling to Layla's brain, and on Wednesday, December 13th, Layla was pronounced brain dead less than 48 hours after going to the hospital.

Her family had to say their final goodbyes, knowing there was nothing more the doctors could do for her. They made a selfless choice to donate Layla’s organs and save five other people's lives before Christmas, which is the greatest gift they could give to anybody at this time.

The family is absolutely devastated, and we would like to help raise as much as possible to help with funeral costs to give Layla the best send-off possible, like she deserves. She was the oldest child and princess of the family, and she deserves the best because she was the best. Along with helping the family at this difficult time, especially this close to Christmas, every little helps.

Thank you.