Chris’s Law is critical as there is NO statutory requirement for councils across the UK to carry out regular, proactive tree inspections or tree maintenance, and because of this people have been killed! This must stop.  

In memory of my beloved husband and Sam’s father, Chris, who was senselessly killed on August 28th 2020 in the Carrs Park  Wilmslow Cheshire on the main public path due to a massive  decayed tree, we are calling for the enactment of 'Chris's Law'.  He was only 48!

Chris was simply walking our dog on a dry warm summers afternoon and since that day it has been impossible for me to remain idle after losing Chris;  my passion to drive change and obtain justice in such horrific circumstances is deeply personal and I am committed to seeing this initiative through to fruition. I will not give up until our new Law is passed. 

Chris's death was utterly senseless and completely avoidable. The decayed tree, known to Cheshire East Council to be dangerously unstable on the  main public path, collapsed on him taking his life instantly. This catastrophic incident was not a result of the weather but an unforgivable failure of responsibility and maintenance by Cheshire East Council. Shockingly, the council had been aware of the perilous condition of this tree for eight years prior to the tragedy! Then unbelievably  they removed 20 plus dangerous trees in the park in the weeks following Chris’s death, again endorsing their level of gross negligence.

Due to the investigations by Health & Safety UK, CEC were prosecuted for systemic gross  failings on November  8th 2024 and were fined £500k making it abundantly clear changes need to be made to prevent such tragedies in the future, even more critical since there have been more tree related deaths in the last 6 months. 

Chris’s Law seeks to address this by making it mandatory for councils UK wide to  regularly inspect, assess, and maintain trees in public spaces and parks.

This new law would ensure no other family has to endure the pain and heartbreak we have suffered due to government negligence. By implementing systematic inspections and maintenance schedules, we will significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by unstable, unmanaged trees.

Furthermore, we urge for the creation of a national blueprint for tree maintenance strategies to be adopted by all councils across the UK. Such strategic guidelines would not only uphold safety standards but also promote public confidence in the management of our public spaces.

Since launching our campaign in mid September we have gained huge public, mainstream media and parliamentary support endorsinh our Law is much needed. Please sign and share our petition wide and far to help save lives. 

Please stand with us to make 'Chris's Law' a reality. Help us protect others from preventable tragedies and advocate for safer communities for everyone. Your support is crucial and every signature will be a testament to the collective effort to ensure public safety honouring Chris’s memory and those whom have also lost their lives to trees. 

Huge thanks for your support, it means the world. Fiona & Sam