Families of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles raise awareness of ‘silent but deadly risk’ of methanol poisoning
The families of Melbourne teens Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles started a campaign. They didn’t expect what happened next.
The families of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles are campaigning to raise awareness about methanol poisoning after the two Melbourne teenagers died from the “silent but deadly risk”.
The 19 year old best friends were on a “dream getaway” in the popular tourist town of Vang Vieng when their drinks were poisoned at a bar in Laos this month.
Ms Jones and Ms Bowles were placed on life support in separate hospitals in Bangkok and Udon Thani where their families made a mercy dash to be by their bedsides.
The pair tragically died in hospital last week, one day apart.
British lawyer Simone White, 28, Danish women Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20 and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, and James Louis Hutson, 57, were also victims of the mass methanol poisoning.
A GoFundMe page, created by both the Jones and Bowles families, has raised more than $170,000 in 24 hours.
“Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles were two vibrant, adventurous 19-year-old best friends with their whole lives ahead of them,” they wrote.
“Excited to embark on the trip of a lifetime, they travelled to Thailand and Laos to experience new cultures and create lasting memories together.
“Tragically, their journey, along with visitors from different countries, was cut short when they fell victim to methanol poisoning — a hidden danger that claimed their lives just one day apart.
“This campaign, organised by the families of Bianca and Holly, aims to raise awareness about the dangers of methanol poisoning — a silent but deadly risk that often claims lives without warning.
“We want to honour the memory of Bianca, Holly, and others impacted by methanol poisoning by turning this tragedy into a mission for change.”
The families said the funds from the campaign will be used to bring Ms Jones and Ms Bowles home, support existing initiatives and fund awareness campaigns.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this devastating time,” they said.
“Every donation, no matter the size, will not only help us honour Bianca and Holly’s memory but also work to prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.
“This campaign is being run by the families of Bianca and Holly, and we are committed to ensuring that every dollar raised is used transparently and meaningfully.”
It comes as Australian Federal Police confirmed they were available to assist Laos Police investigate the poisonings.
“The AFP is liaising with relevant law enforcement officials and will provide assistance or capability if requested,” the statement said.
“The AFP also has a permanently-based liaison officer in the region.”
Originally published as Families of Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles raise awareness of ‘silent but deadly risk’ of methanol poisoning
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