Our 20 year old daughter Isabel was studying at Brighton University. She had come to the end of Year 2, and planning to come home within the week. We received a text from her on Thursday 22nd May saying she felt like she was coming down with a cold/flu, and we told her to stay warm and hydrated.
The next morning her twin brother Jack, also at Brighton University, told us she had been admitted to hospital with potentially a “brain virus”. We drove down to Brighton from Essex and by the time we got to the hospital Isabel was already in a coma on life-support and being pumped with every antibiotic possible.
We stayed with her throughout, but sadly her condition deteriorated and CT scans showed her brain had swelled so much that it was pushing down onto her brain stem and the result was that her brain was no longer functioning and her body was not regulating fluids or salt - her sodium levels were the highest the hospital had ever seen.
Sadly we agreed with the hospital’s recommendation that life-support should be withdrawn. Isabel passed away at 19.30 on Saturday 24 May 2025.
We feel, like I’m sure you all did in the early stages, completely numb, bewildered, angry, confused, and have an immense feeling of sadness that we’ll never speak to her again. We just miss her.
We feel that speaking to others who have gone through child-loss is the only productive thing we can do right now.
I can see that you’re new to the community. I hope you find it to be a support to you, but I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter Isabel that brings you here.
Sadly, you’re not alone. Many of our members have lost a child, and will understand some of what you’re going through. I’m sure someone will be along soon. In the meantime, you might find these links helpful.
Child Bereavement UK support families with the loss of a child. They also support bereaved children. You can call their helpline on 0800 02 888 40.
The Compassionate Friends support families who have lost a child of any age. They have a grief companion scheme where you can get 1-1 support from another bereaved parent. You can call them on 0345 123 2304.
Sue Ryder also has some resources which can help you cope with grief.
Our Grief Guide self-help platform which has information, resources and advice to help you through your grief
Paul and Sharon.
I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter. I lost my 41 year old daughter and best friend suddenly and unexpectedly on 26/11/24 to a spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage. She had not been ill. We spoke 3 or 4 times a day and saw one another usually every day. I am devastated and still cry most days. I feel it should have been me not her. The pain never goes away but does change with time. It is no longer an acute pain but there all the time filling the empty space that should be Lauren. I have weekly grief counselling still and am on sertraline, my gp has also referred me for emdr as he believes I have ptsd.
Being on here and talking to other bereaved parents has been a massive help as well.
Keep talking to each other and on here.
Big hugs