The Stamford, Lincolnshire based family of five-year-old Benedict Blythe has voiced their dissatisfaction concerning a recent report on his untimely demise, which was the result of an allergic reaction at Barnack Primary School. The jury at the inquest confirmed that in December 2021, Benedict accidentally consumed cow’s milk protein which led to his death. Elizabeth Gray, the coroner, in her ‘Prevention of Future Deaths’ notice highlighted that key evidence pieces like Benedict’s vomit weren’t preserved, making it difficult for early cause identification of the reaction. Nevertheless, the family feels that the report has fallen short of exposing vital shortcomings at the school. They pointed out the exclusive emphasis on actions taken post-collapse and the omission of the systemic errors preceding and during the tragic incident. The family of Benedict is now campaigning for the introduction of ‘Benedict’s Law’, which would mandate the implementation of thorough allergy policies and training in every UK school. The Benedict Blythe Foundation has been set up in his honour to facilitate the availability of educational resources.
This article was adapted by The Lincoln Post from an original report by www.bbc.com.
