'Pack CO-Safe Appeal: Hudson's Memorial Campaign for Carbon Monoxide Safety among backpackers and holidaymakers.

Hudson Foley tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a homestay in Quito, Ecuador in August 2023 at the age of 24.

Backpackers like Hudson travel abroad often unaware of the health and safety risks in the places they stay; Hudson is the latest tragedy in a dark history of Britons passing away from carbon monoxide poisoning while holidaying abroad.

Holidaying is a treasured activity for many of us, and travelling was a passion for Hudson, but to do so safely we must be vigilant of lethal risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning.

We have found, however, that there is a troubling lack of guidance and advice available to those preparing for trips abroad, leaving many unaware and unprotected.

The Hudson CO safety appeal

We are campaigning in Hudson’s memory to promote awareness of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning among backpackers and holidaymakers, and to make sure that travel operators, guidebooks, and government alike clearly communicate the risks of carbon monoxide in dwellings abroad.

By supporting this campaign, you will help raise awareness, drive systematic improvements in how the travel industry addresses health and safety risks such as carbon monoxide alarms on travel kit lists and potentially help prevent further tragic deaths.

Carbon monoxide information

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas produced by fuel-burning appliances that can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted. Common appliances such as generators, heaters and boilers can produce carbon monoxide, particularly when old, poorly maintained, or in poorly ventilated rooms.

Carbon monoxide can kill within minutes and causes life-changing mental and physical injuries to survivors.

When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds to the blood 240 times stronger than oxygen, rapidly starving the body of oxygen supply. Hudson passed away with a CO blood level of 51.75%.

To detect carbon monoxide and prevent rapid decline and death, an alarm is essential, while vigilance can help register dangerous situations.