Fiona Hall, the grieving widow of a man who tragically lost his life due to a tree accident, is advocating for a new legislation aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
Her husband, Chris, aged 48, was fatally struck by a falling tree while walking their dog in a park in Wilmslow, Cheshire. Despite prior knowledge by the council about the tree’s potential risk, it was not removed, leading to the devastating event.
Fiona is pushing for what she calls “Chris’s Law” to mandate regular tree inspections by local authorities. She emphasized the preventable nature of Chris’s death and the necessity to avoid such tragedies through proactive measures. The proposed law aims to enforce systematic tree inspections to mitigate risks associated with unstable trees, shifting the focus from unpredictable weather conditions to responsible maintenance practices.
In addition to advocating for Chris’s Law, Fiona, aged 56, is also urging for a national standard to uphold consistent safety measures for all trees. She expressed the profound impact of Chris’s passing on her and their 27-year-old son, Sam, highlighting Chris’s positive attributes that enriched the lives of those around him.
Chris, a software sales manager, met his untimely demise on August 28, 2020, when a tree limb fell on him in Carrs Park. The tragic incident revealed shortcomings in the council’s tree management practices, leading to a substantial fine after a legal investigation.
Fiona’s call for improved tree safety regulations comes in the wake of other fatal tree accidents in different parts of the country, underscoring the urgency to address this issue promptly.
Following Chris’s death, the family honored his memory by creating a wooden sculpture from the tree that caused his passing, accompanied by a QR code providing information on his story and the importance of tree safety enhancements.
Fiona’s local Member of Parliament, Esther McVey, is set to champion Chris’s Law in Parliament on October 15, highlighting the need for legislative action to prevent similar tragedies. The local council has acknowledged the need for improvements in tree management and safety protocols in light of the unfortunate incident.
While Fiona continues her advocacy efforts, the government has refrained from making any official statements on the matter.
To support Fiona’s campaign for Chris’s Law, individuals can visit the provided link to sign the petition and contribute to enhancing public safety through mandatory tree maintenance.
