'There is no need for anyone to die that way' - Selkirk mum warns youngsters of dangers of drugs
Norma Combe speaks publicly for first time about death of her daughter from heroin
Last updated 14th Mar 2018
A Selkirk mum says she's still struggling to cope with her daughter's death - more than eight years after her heroin addiction claimed her life.
But Norma Combe says she hopes speaking about the loss of her only child will act as a warning to other youngsters experimenting with drugs.
Her daughter Louise was just 30-years-old when she died suddenly in December 2010.
Wiping back tears, Mrs Combe, who was supported by her husband Brian, told Radio Borders News: "It does get emotional because really there was no need for it, there is no need for anyone to die that way.
"And I just hope that other folk listening, young people especially, actually think before they take anything, think what's in it because you don't know what could be in it, there could be rat poison, there could be talcum powder.
"You have to say 'no' before you take that first hit because you don't control it, it controls you. And it will always happen to you because Louise always said: 'It will never happen to me' and she's been dead now for eight years and three months, but you just have to get on with it."
Mrs Combe, who has never spoken publicly before about her daughter's death, believes more needs to be done to educate children and their parents of the dangers to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.
She added: "If it could be possible to take somebody who is on heroin or any other kind of drug and show it in schools and youth clubs, it might make someone think: 'Am I going to do that?' I don't know but there needs to be something done because there are too many folk dying."
Mrs Combe is responding to a Galashiels mum's plea for help after discovering her 14-year-old daughter has been taking an unknown substance.
She claims children as young as 11-years-old are popping pills which are being bought for them online.
The mum, who we are not naming to protect her identity, said: "To see a child in a state like that is heartbreaking, it's disappointing, it's hurtful, it's very very scary.
"They're thinking it's funny to be walking about in the states that they're in and doing silly, stupid things that people do when they're high. But they could just all of a sudden be dancing about and then drop down and that's them dead.
"And I just really want these kids to realise what they're putting their parents through - most of them don't even know."
Police say they're investigating reports of young people taking drugs in the centre of Galashiels and urging anyone with information to contact them.
A spokesman for the force said: "Police in the Scottish Borders are investigating reports of young people taking drugs in the centre of Galashiels in the past number of weeks.
"Inquiries into this matter are continuing and anyone with information should contact officers at Galashiels Police Station via 101 or make an anonymous report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."