Paul Carey
I am Owen’s Dad. As Owen was a late arrival in the family he held a special place in everyone’s heart. For me, Owen was not just a son, but a teacher. I had to relearn the art of parenting a young person, and with Owen’s allergies to consider, the learning curve was a whole lot different. I also had to learn more about computer games than I had with Emma and Daniel, as they really had changed in the 14 year gap between Daniel and Owen. More than that, Owen became my teacher of what was cool in music; Owen opened up my eyes to a whole new world of not just music, but also how to stream the stuff.
I won’t ever get Owen back, and every time I hear of a parent losing a child, my mind goes back to 22nd April 2017 when I heard from Emma that Owen had died. I would hate that to happen to another parent, so for me Owen’s Law is a must. Moreover, the changes I want to see are so simple and easy to put into legislation, and would certainly make sure that no other parent has to hear those dreadful words about a child.
Emma Kocher
I was 16 when my little brother Owen was born, so we didn’t have a standard sibling relationship. I remember holding him for the first time and being really taken aback by how much I loved him. It may sound silly, but I didn’t realise how much love one could have for someone, and have only felt that way about my own children since. Unconditional and total devotion to protecting them. I watched our mum work tirelessly to keep Owen safe from his multiple allergies; preparing special meals for him, taking him to hospital appointments, caring for him when he was unwell with his asthma, or in pain in his gut, or itching angry hives, reminding him to take his medicines, etc. I learnt how to be a good mum through this experience and when my three babies were born, the love and care Owen had received from his older family was passed onto them. Owen was only 9 when my son was born, but was instantly the most devoted and soppy uncle you’ve ever seen. The bond he had with each of them was so special - a mentor, a gaming rival, a wrestling target, a tickle monster, a prankster and a warm cuddle in front of a film.
One tiny error, a simple lack of communication, cost Owen his life and robbed my children of this magical relationship.
Having worked for some time in the catering industry, it is clear to me what a lack of understanding there is surrounding the seriousness of food allergies, how easy it is for corners to be cut and therefore the huge risk allergy sufferers are placed under, just by eating out - something the rest of us take for granted as being easy and safe. For me, a change in the law would not only prevent future deaths, but also highlight the seriousness of allergies and anaphylaxis to those in the catering industry and the wider population, and mean the dining experience for allergy sufferers would be far less stressful for them and their families.
