For the first time, UK travellers can purchase portable carbon monoxide detectors at major airports—offering a last-minute safety check before boarding international flights. These compact devices, priced at around £25, have been quietly transformed into essential travel gear thanks to the tireless campaign of Cathy Foley and the Pack Safe Appeal.
From Tragedy to Advocacy: A Mother’s Mission
In 2023, Cathy’s son Hudson Foley tragically died from carbon monoxide poisoning while volunteering abroad. Devastated by his loss, she launched the Pack Safe Appeal in August 2024 to raise awareness of this easily overlooked risk and to encourage travellers to carry CO alarms with them. Her heartfelt advocacy quickly gained national attention.
A Groundbreaking Retail First in UK Airports
Now, as of August 28, 2025, portable CO alarms are being stocked across 14 major UK airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Edinburgh, in collaboration with WHSmith’s InMotion stores. This marks the first ever retail availability of these life-saving devices in UK airports.
Widespread Availability, Real-Life Impact
With devices offered in 29 InMotion outlets across those airports, travellers can easily add a carbon monoxide alarm to their essentials for about £25—perhaps the most practical item a traveller can carry.
The move follows a spike in public engagement after Cathy’s appearance on BBC Breakfast, which saw over 2,000 alarms sold within a month.
Institutional Recognition & Endorsements
The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) updated its travel advice in spring 2025 to explicitly caution about carbon monoxide risks when travelling—encouraging travellers to pack a CO alarm. Support for the campaign also comes from the Safer Tourism Foundation, which was founded after another tragic CO-related incident and now backs the Pack Safe Appeal’s efforts.
Stories That Reside in Hearts—and Save Lives
Cathy’s campaign isn’t just grounded in policy—it’s deeply human. A mother named Louise read about the Pack Safe Appeal and insisted her daughter Emily bring a CO alarm on her gap year trip to South America. Late one night, the device alarmed—alerting Emily to a potentially deadly leak in her hostel. Thanks to the alarm—and the awareness sparked by the campaign—Emily was able to act quickly, sparing herself and fellow travellers.
What This Means for Travel Safety
This breakthrough signifies more than just a new retail item—it’s a cultural shift. Carbon monoxide, known as an invisible, odorless “silent killer,” now has a visible defence at travellers’ fingertips. Campaigners hope CO detectors will soon be as standard as travel insurance or health advice in travel planning.
Looking Ahead: Next Steps for the Pack Safe Appeal
Cathy’s goals remain ambitious. She aims to influence travel companies to include carbon monoxide safety guidance prominently on their websites and booking platforms—making CO alarms a recommended staple for all travellers. Her passion is fueled by the belief that no family should endure the grief she has known.
Why This Matters for Tourists
- Affordable and accessible: A high-impact safety tool for just £25, conveniently sold at departure points.
- Reduced risk in unfamiliar accommodation: Particularly vital for stays in poorly ventilated or off-grid places.
- Tangible prevention: Real stories show how one alarm, in time, can avert tragedy.
- Growing awareness: With institutional updates and media coverage, CO safety is moving from the margins to the mainstream.
Key Takeaways:
- Carbon monoxide travel safety is now actively addressed in UK airports.
- Pack Safe Appeal, born from tragedy, continues to shape proactive travel safety culture.
- Portable CO alarms are now purchasable at major airports—practical, affordable, and potentially lifesaving.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
