Claire Throssell, a 52-year-old mother, is steadfast in her mission to honour a promise made on her son Jack’s deathbed, who, along with his brother Paul, was tragically killed by their own father. Reflecting on the heart-wrenching moment a decade ago when she discovered that her ex-partner had orchestrated the deaths of their sons, Claire is now advocating for legislative changes to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
Jack, a musically talented boy, managed to whisper to a firefighter before succumbing to his injuries, revealing that his father was responsible for the catastrophic events. Despite Claire’s efforts to protect her sons from their abusive father, legal authorities allowed unsupervised visits that ultimately led to the boys’ deaths. Since the devastating loss of Jack and Paul, Claire has been a relentless voice for change, spearheading the campaign ‘Child First, Safe Child Contacts Saves Lives’ to push for reforms in family court visitation rights, especially in cases involving domestic abuse.
In her quest for justice and protection of children, Claire is set to meet with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss enacting laws that prioritize children’s safety over parental rights, particularly in cases of abuse. With a petition exceeding 104,000 signatures, Claire’s campaign has garnered significant support, aiming to bring attention to the urgent need for legal reforms to prevent further tragedies like Jack and Paul’s.
As Claire prepares to confront the Prime Minister with a plea for change, she emphasises the importance of putting children’s interests first and ensuring that the law reflects the dire consequences of allowing contact between abusive parents and their children. With unwavering determination, Claire advocates for a future where children are safeguarded from harm, echoing the voices of her beloved sons and other victims of domestic abuse.
In her relentless pursuit of justice and protection for vulnerable children, Claire Throssell’s unwavering courage and determination serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for legislative reforms to prevent tragedies like those that befell Jack and Paul from repeating.