Safer Tourism Foundation backs carbon monoxide travel campaign

The Safer Tourism Foundation is backing a new travel campaign to highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Called the ‘Pack Safe Appeal: Hudson’s campaign for Carbon Monoxide Travel Safety’, the campaign marks the one-year anniversary of the death of Hudson Foley from carbon monoxide poisoning while he was travelling in Ecuador.

The initiative has been launched by Cath Foley, Hudson’s mother, in partnership with Safer Tourism Foundation, the Latin American Travel Association, non-profit think tank Policy Connect and the ongoing CO Alarms Save Lives campaign.

She said: “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.

“We launched this campaign to make sure that people know about the dangers associated with carbon monoxide poisoning and the steps they can take to protect themselves.

“A portable carbon monoxide alarm can make the difference between life or death. We urge travellers to pack one when they head off on their own adventures and ask travel providers to make their customers aware of the risks.”

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The Pack Safe Appeal will run during August and asks that travel guides and websites feature carbon monoxide-related safety notices.

It wants accommodation providers to adopt safety measures, such as ensuring carbon monoxide alarms and gas safety checks, and for travel providers to include carbon monoxide alarms in kit lists, and provide safety briefings to customers.

The initiative also calls for government travel guidance to communicate carbon monoxide-related travel safety issues to travellers.

Safer Tourism Foundation has a section of its website dedicated to the Pack Safe Appeal and awareness raising initiatives.

Katherine Atkinson, chief executive of Safer Tourism Foundation, said: “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.”

She said the foundation was proud to support Hudson’s family – parents Paul and Cathy and siblings Natasha and Jordan – 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,” she added.

Hudson died of carbon monoxide poisoning in a homestay in Quito, Ecuador, while travelling in Latin America on a structured language and volunteering trip.

The Latin American Travel Association (Lata) is working to make accommodation across the region safer for travellers.

Danny Callaghan, Lata chief executive, added: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Hudson, whilst backpacking in Ecuador and wholeheartedly support the campaign to encourage travellers to pack a carbon monoxide alarm, wherever in the world they are travelling.

“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.”

Carbon monoxide alarm distributor SafeLincs Ltd has offering a special discount on portable CO alarms – suitable for travellers and holiday rental owners – using the code HUDSON15.

Chelsea Football Club will be highlighting the campaign at a home match early in the 2024 season to honour Hudson, as he was a lifelong supporter and season ticket holder.