A warning from beyond the grave: one young mum's battle with alcohol

Vicky White was a young mum who had been told more than once that her drinking could kill her. We featured her on Granada Reports back in 2012, when she spoke to us from her hospital bed. She was ill, very ill, being treated for liver failure at the Liverpool Royal Hospital. She wanted to warn others of the dangers of drinking, and was determined to get her life back on track for the sake of her young family. But two years after that interview with us, she was back on the drink, her addiction had once again taken hold, and she lost her fight for life.

Four years on, her family agreed to tell Vicky's story - as determined as she was to warn others of the dangers of alcohol. Its the first time they've spoken out on camera since her death.

Vicky started drinking when she was 13; it began a 25 year battle with alcohol which finally killed her. She was hospitalised several times but in the end her liver and kidney failed.

Vicky's story is not unique - and in fact the problem here in the North West is getting worse.

Back in 1994 258 women died in our region from alcohol-related issues.

In 2016 that had almost doubled.

And when it comes to deaths in women specifically due to alcohol - the North West - along with the north east - is the worst in the country.

One of the country's leading experts in liver disease is Dr Paul Richardson - Vicky's consultant at Liverpool Royal hospital. He says the problem of women drinking harmfully is increasing.

Dr Richardson and his team have recently started researching brain diseases caused by alcohol.

Vicky's family say they're scared and angry that the death rates in women dying from alcohol related diseases are rising.

They're hoping Vicky's story will make people think. A warning from the grave that could save a life.