Louise Cattell died of a ketamine overdose six years ago on the 18th of February 2011. She was found dead in her home in upper Clapton, she had drowned in the bath. Louise was only 21 and her mother has since told of her 'huge heart and compassion for others', she was known by her mother and friends as 'Little Lou'. Louise was a famous face amongst the London gig-scene and photographed up and coming bands at the time such as The Cribs and Mystery Jets. She was a creative and artistic person, after graduating from London College of Fashion she was recruited as a production assistant on fashion week shows. Louise seemed to have a beautiful future laid out but to the shock of her family, this was taken from her by just one bad decision - Ketamine.

Louise was just one in hundreds of teens who died of drug related overdoses in 2006. But by 2014, the figure for drug related deaths in England and Wales had increased by 24% to 2248. Right now, levels are highest since comparable records began in 1993.This surely tells us about the level of risk young people are prepared to take to have a good time. With mental health and depression rates amongst young people currently being the highest ever recorded, are dangerous drugs viewed by unhappy teens as tools for escapism and the only means to have a good time? 

Louise's Mother is now an ambassador for the charity 'Mentor' which works to raise awareness about misuse of party drugs. She unfortunately understands what damage drug misuse can do to a family and therefore puts all her time and effort into trying to prevent other mothers from having to experience what she did.

The Islington music venue Nambucca will be putting on a memorial gig on Thursday 2nd March with acts including Kylie Griffiths, The Scarletinas and Tim Arnold. The money raised will go towards the charity Mentor, for which Louise's mother is an ambassador. The night will be dedicated to the beautiful life of Louise Cattell and the funds will help prevent young people dying needlessly from party drug abuse. Tickets for the event can be purchased online or on the door.

Megan Clarke-Stock

City and Islington Sixth Form College