06 March 2024 , 18:28
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An 11-year-old boy died after taking part in an alleged social media craze gone wrong, according to his family.
Tommie-Lee Gracie Billington suffered a suspected cardiac arrest on Saturday after taking part in a dangerous craze called 'chroming'. His heartbroken grandmother Tina Burns says he had attempted the stunt while staying at a friend's house - and has urged social media giants to 'do more' to protect children.
Chroming, also known as huffing or sniffing, is where someone inhales toxic chemicals such as paint, solvent, aerosol cans, cleaning products or petrol. When the inhalants are abused, they affect the central nervous system and slow down brain activity, which results in a short-term 'high.' The trend can result in slurred speech, dizziness, hallucinations, nausea and disorientation but can also cause a heart attack or suffocation.
Speaking for the first time since Tommie-Lee's death, Tina said: "He died instantly after a sleepover at a friend's house. The boys had tried the TikTok craze 'chroming'. Tommie-Lee went into cardiac arrest immediately and died right there and then. The hospital did everything to try and bring him back but nothing worked. He was gone."
A TikTok spokesperson told the Mirror that there was no evidence of chroming being a TikTok-specific challenge or that it had been trending on their platform.
Mum appeared 'completely normal' moments before vanishing while walking dog
Tommie-Lee Gracie Billington, who died on Saturday, with dad Graham (Facebook)Tommie-Lee died on March 2 after he was found unresponsive at a friend's house in Lancaster, Lancashire. He suffered a suspected cardiac arrest at around 12.30pm and was rushed to hospital but paramedics were sadly unable to save him. Lancashire Police said his death is currently "unexplained".
Tina paid tribute to her grandson, describing him as a 'bright, energetic boy' who was 'the life and soul of any room.' She said: "He had a heart of gold just like his dad. Our family is utterly devastated."
Tommie-Lee lived with mum Sherri in Lancaster while dad Graham's side of the family live in nearby Clayton-le-Woods and the South Ribble area of Lancashire. Tina said both families want to raise awareness of the dangers of TikTok for youngsters, and they are calling on the social media giant to do more to safeguard children.
The teaching assistant added: "Both our families are utterly devastated but we all want the same thing. We don't want any other children to follow TikTok or be on social media. In fact, we want to get TikTok taken down and no children to be allowed on any social media under 16 years of age. This is breaking us all but we want to help save other children's lives and give families awareness to keep their children safe. I have had so many messages from parents thanking me for making them aware.
Tommie-Lee's mum Sherri also urged parents to 'hide all deodorants from their children' so they are unable to take part in the challenge. Posting on Facebook, she wrote: "As much as I hate talking about it, I need to raise awareness of what kids are trying nowadays. Please, please, please hide all deodorants from your children. This cost my son his life from trying something other kids are doing. They are using this and breathing them in to try get a buzz.
A Go Fund Me page has been set up in memory of Tommie-Lee to help with the funeral costs and Tina says the support her family have received has been 'amazing.' She said: "We have loads of friends that are doing raffles etc. The support that we are receiving is truly amazing and we are so very grateful," said Tina.