Northern Ireland

Mother of Co Down woman (21) who died from eating disorder claims health system failed her

Sophie Bridges (left) pictured with her mother Sharon in December 2017
Sophie Bridges (left) pictured with her mother Sharon in December 2017 Sophie Bridges (left) pictured with her mother Sharon in December 2017

THE mother of a young Co Down woman who died from an eating disorder has called for a separate emergency department for mental ill-health.

Sharon Bridges claimed the health system failed her daughter Sophie, who was found dead in her bedroom on Saturday night after suffering a heart attack.

The 21-year-old, who lived in Killyleagh, had spent the last seven years battling an eating disorder.

Mrs Bridges said her daughter initially experienced problems at the age of 14.

"She had been a little overweight in first and second year," she said.

"It was around about the summer in 2009, she had started to eat healthier and do more exercise and she looked well and everyone was complimenting her."

Sophie initially battled anorexia but then became bulimic - caught in a cycle of eating and then forcing herself to lose weight - because of the pressure she felt to eat.

"I remember trying to fight for somebody to take me seriously," her mother said.

"She had become very frail, thin and was leaving the house and walking for miles. I was scared that something that would happen to her."

Mrs Bridges said she "begged and pleaded for a referral" for her daughter.

She said the only service was the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service in Belfast, but the family did not feel enough help was available.

On two occasions in 2009, doctors told Mrs Bridges that her daughter had just weeks to live as her organs were shutting down.

"I was very calm and professional and then I got home and cried my eyes out and then I had to get up and get on with it," she said.

The teenager continued to battle her illness but in 2016, she suffered a sexual assault in Co Down.

Mrs Bridges said her daughter was "very physically frail and could not have defended herself".

Sophie Bridges (21), who died suddenly on Saturday, was a former pupil of Assumption Grammar in Ballynahinch
Sophie Bridges (21), who died suddenly on Saturday, was a former pupil of Assumption Grammar in Ballynahinch Sophie Bridges (21), who died suddenly on Saturday, was a former pupil of Assumption Grammar in Ballynahinch

A man was later convicted in relation to the attack.

Sophie spent her 21st birthday in hospital last April, and had hoped to celebrate her 22nd at home this Easter Sunday but suffered a heart attack in her bedroom on Saturday night.

"The damage had been done," said Mrs Bridges.

"There would not have been any getting better for her."

She called on politicians to act now to help others in similar situations.

"I think what we need in this country and other countries is a separate mental health A&E department which is properly funded with compassionate staff," she said.

"I am just so sad that I am not going to be the last mummy to go through this because there will be so many and we will be far from the last.

"People think an eating disorder means you starve to death but it's not that, your organs give up."

Mrs Bridges said her daughter, a former pupil at Assumption Grammar School in Ballynahinch, achieved top grades despite missing many schooldays through illness and would be remembered as someone who was "incredibly intelligent".

"She was very, very witty. She was quirky," she said.

"It is devastation, it really is and just such a waste of a life."

A celebration of Sophie's life will take place at Roselawn Crematorium on Monday at 2pm.

Those attending have been asked to wear bright colours.