TWO fathers united by grief brought a chilling anti-drugs message to pupils at Woodhey High School in Ramsbottom yesterday.

The father of Essex teenager Leah Betts, who died after swallowing an Ecstasy pill on her 18th birthday three years ago, was joined by the father of tragic former Woodhey pupil Matthew Ramsbottom, for an hour-long drug awareness presentation at the school.

Matthew, of Hill Rise in Ramsbottom, was 17 when he collapsed at a friend's house last July after taking amphetamine. Before he died of a brain haemorrhage, he spent six days on a life-support machine at Bury General Hospital.

Following the tragedy, Matthew's parents Steve and Julie contacted Leah's father, former policeman Paul Betts, to help raise drug awareness in their local community.

During yesterday's visit, Year Eight pupils watched video footage of Leah Betts growing up, her life as a young teenager and finally her funeral in November, 1995.

Mr Betts said: "One of the most commonly heard expressions from people who take drugs, is that it's their body and they can do what they like with it. But - and I include my own daughter in this - it is not true. It is very selfish thing to do."

He said that the drug awareness campaign launched after his daughter's death was aimed as much at parents as it was at young people. He encouraged parents to "arm themselves with the facts" by attending awareness events, reading leaflets and calling national drug helplines.

Mr Betts said: "What I like to be able to do is show teachers that the children know much more about drugs than they do.

"If they know all about drugs, then their parents need to be aware too. Presentations like this give parents extra tools for their tool bag.

"The biggest problem is that most parents are carbon copies of what I was like. They think it will never happen to them. They don't bother to find out until it is too late."

His thoughts were echoed by Mr Ramsbottom, who said: "We are doing this in the hope that no other parent has to go through what we've been through. The message I want to get across is for people to think of what they are doing to their friends and family, brothers and sisters, mums and dads - the people they leave behind."

Last night the pair shared their heartbreaking experiences with other parents at a public meeting at St Andrew's Church in Ramsbottom.

Mr Ramsbottom added: "If it just sticks with one or two people it will be worth it."

Anyone wanting to know more about drugs can contact the Leah Betts helpline for Drug Awareness on 01621 741098.

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