Mother’s fight to raise fatal fumes awareness
PRESS EYE-BELFAST-NORTHERN IRELAND Katrina Davidson from Whiteabbey whose son Aaron died from Carbon Monoxide in Castlerock just over a year ago. Pic : BrianThompson/Presseye.com
MORE awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide still needs to be raised across Northern Ireland, the mother of a teenager killed by the lethal gas last year has said.
Aaron Davidson and Neil McFerran, both 18, from Newtownabbey, died at a holiday apartment in Castlerock just over 12 months ago, in a tragedy that sent shockwaves across the province.
Their deaths sparked unprecedented concern and awareness over the threat from carbon monoxide poisoning and prompted thousands of homeowners to install detectors.
Aaron’s mother, Katrina, admitted that last week’s first anniversary of their deaths brought back the shocking reality of the tragedy, but said she wanted it to be a focus for more awareness of the toxic gas.
“The anniversary was very hard for us, and it brought many painful memories back for both our families and friends,” she said.
“But we just want to concentrate on the awareness work we have been doing through our charity. That is how we can best remember our two boys.
“I think there is so much more that still needs to be done.
“There was so much focus on carbon monoxide in the weeks and months after their deaths, and I know that many people went out and bought detectors.
“But as time passes, I fear that some people may forget about carbon monoxide, or forget to check their appliances, or if their detectors are even working. Simple mistakes can cost lives.
“We want to keep this in the forefront of people’s minds when they think about safety in their homes.”
She added: “I have no doubt that lives have been saved by the awareness raised after Aaron and Neil’s deaths, and it is such a comfort and a motivation that their deaths were not in vain.
“That is why we want to maintain that awareness – the dangers have not gone away and more has to be done.”
Together the families set up their charity – Gis A Hug Foundation – which has been working to maintain public awareness.
“The support that we have had for our work has been tremendous,” Katrina said.
“The generosity and the reception from the public to our charity has given us such a lift and so many people have helped it to be successful, and we hope that that support will continue.”
Katrina’s son, Aaron, was due to start university in Belfast just weeks after his life was tragically cut short.
With thousands of students now searching for accommodation ahead of the new term, Katrina said it is vital that proper safety checks are carried out.
“We are planning to attend a number of fresher events at universities in Northern Ireland to warn students about carbon monoxide and urge them to ensure they have detectors fitted in their new accommodation,” Katrina added.
“Unfortunately, Aaron never got the chance to go to university, but we want to do all we can to ensure no other family has to go through what we are going through.
“Students and the elderly are among the vulnerable groups which we have been focusing on, but it can be a threat to anyone.”
Katrina said the deaths of Fermanagh couple, Killian and Pauline Scallon, within weeks of Aaron and Neil’s deaths, had been a “major shock”.
“We could not believe it. That was the worst news to hear so soon after what happened to our boys,” she said.
“Our hearts just went out to that couple’s family. To lose anyone is hard, but when you lose someone to carbon monoxide, which is so silent and hidden, it is harder to take in.”
Following the boys’ deaths last August, the Health and Safety Executive launched an investigation into a carbon monoxide leak from a faulty appliance in the flat.
Two men were arrested and questioned by police earlier this year, and a report has been forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service.
Carbon monoxide is known as the “silent killer” because you cannot see, hear, smell or taste it.
The toxic fumes come from the burning of gas and other fuels, including wood, coal and oil. It can build up to dangerous levels if a fuel-burning appliance is incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained, or if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.
For more information about the work of the Gis A Hug Foundation log on to www.gisahugfoundation.co.uk.
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Tuesday 29 May 2012
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