It is every parent’s worst nightmare to lose a child.
Such tragedies are compounded if the death was needless and the parents feel like they were not told the truth.
This was the case with 10-year-old Milly Main, a cancer patient who was in remission at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital before picking up an infection and dying in 2017.
It was only after her mum Kimberly read a whistleblower’s claims in the Record that she learned of a possible infection link.
A probe eventually confirmed her fears – Milly died after “probably” catching an infection linked to the hospital environment.
Kimberly managed to get answers about her daughter’s death but only after campaigning for the truth and talking to the press.
She is now backing Milly’s Law, which would give bereaved parents like herself new rights in cases of tragedy and scandal.
Championed by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, the plan would give bereaved parents like Kimberly access to a publicly funded champion who could pursue transparency.
Kimberly said the law would be a “touching tribute” and a “lasting legacy” for her precious daughter, adding: “Our hope is that no other family has to suffer like we have, and that’s what drives our fight for justice.”
Nobody should have to go through what Milly’s parents have endured since 2017.
When Milly’s Law is published, MSPs must engage with the proposals in good faith and ensure they are passed without delay.
Pay up for safety
The Stonehaven rail disaster might never have happened had railways been properly funded to meet the demands of the 21st century.
The Rail Accidents Investigations Branch report makes it clear the network and rolling stock were nowhere near fit for purpose.
Three men – driver Brett McCullough, conductor Donald Dinnie and passenger Christopher Stuchbury – lost their lives in the tragedy.
It must be agony for their loved ones to read that long-overdue improvements may have saved their lives.
Twenty recommendations have been made in the report which was rightly described as “damning”. They must be implemented but not at the cost of rail users, who already have to pay sky-high fares.
It is vital our rail network receives the investment it needs to deal with the consequences of climate change and meet the safety standards passengers deserve.
