13 June 2023 , 12:51
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The devastated sister of a mother who took her own life has told how she was "smiling and happy" just 30 minutes before she was rushed to hospital.
Lauren Galloway, 32, died in intensive care three days after the mum of two was dashed to hospital.
Her sibling Dionne, 28, had visited Lauren for a catch-up and only left her home 30 minutes before she attempted to take her life.
Lauren was discovered in her home in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, by the sisters' grandmother.
"We can't process what happened. We are still in complete shock. I was with her half an hour earlier, just having a catch-up," Dionne said.
Dionne, a care coordinator, has paid tribute to LaurenShe told Daily Record: "She was a trainee nurse and she had just got a new job. She was smiling. There were no signs of what was about to happen, otherwise I would never have left her."
Dionne then received a call from their other sister Megan, to tell her what had happened as paramedics battled to save her life.
But Lauren could not be saved and passed away on Tuesday, May 2.
Mum-of-three Dionne continued: "We had to watch her slowly deteriorate for three days in ICU. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. None of us could comprehend what was happening. Then eventually they had to turn off the machines that were keeping her alive."
Dionne is sharing Lauren's story to raise awareness of mental health issues and to urge those who are struggling to speak out.
Dionne added: "Don't ever underestimate what is behind someone's smile and please speak out if you need help. Lauren loved to smile and laugh.
"She could have spoken to any one of us and we would have been there for her, but she chose not to and now she's not here. I just don't want another family to have to go through what we have been through. There is help out there."
Dionne, who works as a care coordinator, is now fundraising for the Scottish Association for Mental Health in Lauren's memory and the family have organised a cycle round Millport to raise funds.
Around 30 friends and family will take part on July 8. To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email [email protected] or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.