'Now let's act on killer drug' - mother of victim

A MOTHER robbed of her "popular and free-spirited" daughter by methadone has launched a heartfelt campaign for the drug to be taken off the streets.

Karen Huckridge lost her daughter Karley in March — just days before her 21st birthday.

An inquest in September revealed that the Felinfoel woman died after taking a fatal amount of methadone — a drug used as a replacement for heroin to help addicts beat their habit — and alcohol.

Her mum paid tribute to her daughter, describing her as caring and courageous.

"The last time I spoke to Karley she said 'I love you and I'll see you tomorrow'," said the mother-of-three. "The next thing I knew she was gone.

"When I heard the news I was praying that it wasn't true — I was convinced that my father, who died when Karley was nine, would be looking after her. Now she's buried next to him.

"For the next three weeks after her death I felt totally numb — I had lost my best friend.

"Karley gave a hard exterior to strangers, but she was so thoughtful, especially to her family and friends.

"She was soft inside and really went out of her way to help people."

Now Karen wants to make sure it doesn't happen to another family.

She said there should be stricter control over the drug, to make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.

"To this day I still don't understand why this happened to my daughter," she said.

"Karley did like to go out and have a good time — but she had never touched methadone.

"The only thing I hope is that other people are now more aware of the dangers of the drug.

"I will be talking to all sorts of people about what can be done — from drug addicts to politicians.

"Under no circumstances should it be allowed out of the chemist and into the community.

"If I can save a life from the dangers of methadone then it will be something."

Since Karley's death, a Llanelli pharmacy has announced that it is to install a methadone dispensing machine, which uses fingerprint technology.

The equipment, which aims to control the amount given to addicts and reduce the amount of methadone bottles circulating in the town, is expected to be in operation at The Co-operative Pharmacy in Station Road before the end of the year.

At least seven methadone related deaths have taken place in Llanelli in the past year and a half.