On a normal Thursday afternoon, 27/06/2024 I received a phone call like no other, following this was the devastating loss which shattered our lives. My 13 year old nephew, full of life, with so much love to give died as a result of inhaling aerosols. This incident was not something I was aware could happen – not until it was too late. In many cases and that included ours, there’s no reason for a child under 16 to need to purchase aerosols; most parents purchase their children's toiletries. The sorrow of this event has driven me to seek changes in our legal system to prevent any more heartbreak like ours.

Whilst education on the topic is practically non existent, I am looking into assembly’s being held at schools in the future, as I had no clue what this was until it happened to us, I feel if something that is essentially a legal and deadly drug wasn’t so accessible for these children then that’s a start. 

That is why I am petitioning for law changes, requiring retailers to implement a minimum age restriction on the purchase of aerosols. Inhalant abuse, often referred to as "huffing," can lead to heart failure and death even after a single use. The part I find insane is, it’s illegal for a child under 16 to purchase a lottery ticket, but these deadly tins of aerosol are readily available which to a child, wouldn’t make them see them as a danger so much. Whilst I’m fully aware we can’t ban aerosols, I feel addressing the problem and making it more difficult for children to get their hands on would be effective.

This is not an isolated issue, but a widespread and deadly problem. With a minimum age requirement for purchasing aerosols, we can put a protective barrier between these harmful substances and our children. Please add your voice to this heartfelt plea. Sign the petition. Let's protect our children from the dangers of aerosol abuse and prevent another family from experiencing the immeasurable pain we do. 
thank you always. 
toni x