Friend of Newcastle grad who died from methanol poisoning urges for education on its dangers

The best friend a Newcastle University graduate who died from methanol poisoning is calling on the government to educate children about the risks of drinking abroad.

Simone White was 28 when she died whilst backpacking the hotspot of Vang Vieng, Laos.

Her childhood friend, Bethany Clarke, who was with her on the trip, has since launched a petition urging the government to include the dangers of methanol in the school curriculum.

A lawyer from Orpington, Simone studied law with European legal studies at Newcastle University.

She died from methanol poisoning while travelling through South East Asia in November with Bethany. Following this, tributes poured in from Simone’s friends and family, including her mother.

The pair were four days into their trip when they accepted free shots at a hostel bar in Vang Vieng, a popular stop on the backpacker circuit. They both began feeling unwell the following morning. Doctors initially told them it was food poisoning, but their symptoms worsened quickly.

Bethany told BBC Newsbeat: “Me and Simone were flat on the back of these kayaks, not being able to use our arms. We were just literally staring up into space.

“That was a moment where I thought I really don’t understand what’s happening to us. It just seemed like I was just having to accept my fate.”

Simone was taken to hospital but died a few days later. Bethany also became seriously ill but later recovered.

Since then, Bethany has been speaking out about the dangers of counterfeit alcohol, specifically methanol, an industrial chemical sometimes used in fake spirits because it’s cheaper than ethanol. Consuming even a small amount can be fatal.

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Her petition is calling for the dangers of methanol to be discussed in schools through PSHE or biology lessons. She said: “I think it just needs to be a five minute talk or possibly even some kind of public health advert, just giving the case study of Laos and saying this can happen.”

Bethany said they trusted the hostel as it had good reviews: “We didn’t think we were doing anything stupid, but obviously now I do feel like I should have known more.

“The advice from me is steer clear, drink beer. Look up the symptoms, be mindful about where you’re drinking.”

via Facebook

Now working in Australia, Bethany says she feels a sense of “survivor’s guilt” but is using her voice to try and prevent more deaths. She said: “If we start educating people now maybe in 10 years when they are travelling they will have the information they need to make informed choices.

“We think there are more cases than are reported to the police and a lot of this is swept under the carpet. This is not acceptable.”

As part of the campaign, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok accounts have also been set up to raise “Methanol awareness for Simone White.”

Five other travellers, including teenagers from Australia and Denmark, also died after drinking at the same hostel, and more were hospitalised.

Laos authorities later confirmed that the drinks were laced with methanol, and launched a criminal investigation into the factory producing the alcohol. A ban has since been placed on the sale of certain local vodka and whisky brands in the area.

As of 25th April, Bethany’s petition has over 2,400 signatures and needs 10,000 to receive a response from the government. At 100,000, it could be considered for debate in Parliament. The deadline for the petition is 15th October 2025.

The Department for Education’s current guidance states that students should be made aware of the risks associated with drugs and alcohol by the time they leave school.

The Foreign Office has updated its advice for travellers, including a list of countries where methanol poisoning has been reported. A spokesperson said: “We provided consular assistance to British nationals and their families and we remain in contact with the local authorities following an incident in Laos.”

Bethany added: “Simone didn’t deserve this, no one does. I just hope this campaign means fewer people have to go through what we did.”

Sign Bethany’s petition here.

Featured images via Facebook and Instagram @bethanyyclarke