In a poignant tribute to her late son, Cathy Foley has officially launched the Pack Safe Appeal: Hudson’s Campaign for Carbon Monoxide Travel Safety. This initiative, marking the first anniversary of Hudson Foley’s untimely death due to carbon monoxide poisoning while travelling in Ecuador, aims to prevent such tragedies by raising awareness of the risks associated with carbon monoxide exposure in travel accommodations.
Hudson Foley, a vibrant 24-year-old, tragically lost his life to carbon monoxide poisoning in a homestay in Quito, Ecuador. His mother, Cathy Foley, hopes this campaign will ensure no other family endures the pain of losing a loved one to such a preventable cause.
“Hudson was the perfect son, brother, and cherished friend to so many. He was full of life and loved adventure. His avoidable death is a complete waste of a beautiful, courageous, and kind spirit who touched the hearts of so many in his 24 years. Life without Hudson is so very painful and one which no other family should ever have to endure. We are beyond heartbroken at our devastating loss,” said Cathy Foley.
The Pack Safe Appeal Campaign
The Pack Safe Appeal, in collaboration with the Safer Tourism Foundation, the non-profit think tank Policy Connect, and the ongoing CO Alarms Save Lives campaign, seeks to:
- Highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning to travellers, holidaymakers, and backpackers.
- Urge travel operators and providers to include portable CO alarms in recommended travel kits.
- Encourage accommodation providers to implement safety measures, such as installing CO alarms and conducting regular gas safety checks.
- Prompt government travel advisories to communicate CO-related safety issues to travellers.
Katherine Atkinson, CEO of the Safer Tourism Foundation, emphasized the importance of the campaign, stating, “The Safer Tourism Foundation was born out of the deaths of two children, Bobby and Christi Shepherd, who also died from carbon monoxide poisoning while on holiday. Nearly 20 years on from their deaths, it is a travesty that carbon monoxide poisoning still claims so many lives each year – deaths which are largely preventable. We are proud to support Cathy, Paul, Jordan, and Natasha in their efforts to draw more attention to the dangers of CO poisoning and to encourage everyone to take portable CO alarms with them when they travel. It’s just £20 but it could save a life.”
Hudson’s Story
Hudson Foley was a passionate traveller, affectionately known as Huds, Huddy, and Colonel. Born on June 10, 1999, he was the son of Paul and Cathy Foley and the youngest brother of Natasha and Jordan. Hudson’s adventurous spirit led him to Latin America, where he embarked on a structured language and volunteering trip in May 2023.
Tragically, on August 30, 2023, after a joyful morning with his homestay family and fellow volunteers, Hudson was found deceased in the bathroom of his accommodation. His death was attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning, a silent killer that is both odourless and colourless.
Hudson’s legacy now lives on through the Pack Safe Appeal, which aims to protect other travellers from the same fate.
Support for the Campaign
The Pack Safe Appeal has garnered support from various organizations and influential figures:
- Latin American Travel Association (LATA): Danny Callaghan, CEO of LATA, expressed his condolences and commitment to the campaign, stating, “We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Hudson whilst backpacking in Ecuador and wholeheartedly support the campaign to encourage travelers to pack a carbon monoxide alarm, wherever in the world they are traveling. LATA’s Safety Scheme was set up with the aim of improving safety standards across Latin America and as part of our affiliation with the Safer Tourism Foundation, we are communicating the importance of carbon monoxide safety to our membership.“
- SafeLincs Ltd: The carbon monoxide alarm distributor offers a special discount on portable CO alarms for travellers and holiday rental owners using the code HUDSON15. They also distribute campaign flyers with every purchase.
- Chelsea Football Club: As a tribute to Hudson, a lifelong supporter and season ticket holder, the club will highlight the campaign at a home match early in the 2024 season.
- All-Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG): Barry Sheerman, former MP and Chair of APPCOG, has supported the Foley family in bringing this campaign to life. He remarked, “It is devastating to learn about the deaths of yet more young Britons from carbon monoxide poisoning abroad. I spent decades in Parliament campaigning for better gas safety and carbon monoxide awareness, having set up the All-Party Gas Safety Group in 2003 following the death of a 10-year-old constituent from carbon monoxide poisoning. Safety standards in the UK have improved in recent years, but other countries can lack proper safety regulations. The Pack Safe Appeal is an essential effort to raise awareness of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and the importance of British Standard-compliant carbon monoxide alarms.“
The Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Abroad
Backpackers and travellers often venture abroad unaware of the health and safety risks in the places they stay. Hudson’s tragic passing is a stark reminder of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, which claims lives every year.
Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas produced by fuel-burning appliances. It is undetectable by human senses, making it especially dangerous. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can lead to death within minutes, and survivors may suffer severe physical and mental health consequences.
In many countries, health and safety standards for carbon monoxide are not as stringent as in the UK, where CO alarms are legally required in rental properties. Travellers must proactively protect themselves, including carrying portable CO alarms.
Join the Pack Safe Appeal
The Pack Safe Appeal runs throughout August 2024, with various activities planned to raise awareness of carbon monoxide risks. Travelers are encouraged to participate by:
- Packing a portable CO alarm for their trips.
- Spreading the word about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Supporting the campaign by sharing Hudson’s story and mission on social media.
For more information and to support the campaign, visit the Safer Tourism Foundation’s website.
In memory of Hudson Foley, the Pack Safe Appeal strives to make travel safer for everyone. Taking simple precautions can prevent future tragedies and honour Hudson’s adventurous spirit.
Written by: Anne Keam
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