A BORDERS mum this week urged residents to buy a carbon monoxide detector after she and her family had a lucky escape.

Market organiser Mary-Clare Campbell, 57, described how she was watching TV with her husband and daughters in their living room at their West Linton home in front of a multi-fuel stove last month.

There was a small crack in the window and an engineer was due to call later in the week to sort out the problem. However, the family thought it was safe to use the stove in the meantime.

Mary-Clare told us: “When the carbon monoxide alarm started to bleep we were very surprised and presumed the batteries were low. 

“However, it continued to bleep very loudly and we felt we should do something, we opened the doors and windows and left the sitting room empty, my daughters took our three little dogs out. The alarm stopped bleeping to our relief, but I thought I should phone for some advice.

“I felt a bit silly, but I was put straight through to the fire service who clearly thought it urgent as within ten minutes a fire engine drew up with sirens, flashing lights and lots of fire fighters.

“The carbon monoxide was given off by the fuel as it burned and usually goes up out the chimney to no negative effect. The change of pressure outside forced the carbon monoxide down and out through the crack in the glass.

“Until that point we had rather thought that it had all been a mistake, but we had all been at serious risk of poisoning which can cause serious illness, brain damage or death.

“It was a shocking and frightening realisation, and I looked very differently on the small alarm that had sat so inconspicuously on our mantle piece, and earlier seemed to be ruining a good evening’s viewing.”

Mary-Clare added: “The firefighters’ assessment was that the girls were suffering some effects of carbon monoxide – one was feeling dizzy and the other had a sore head. Paramedics arrived and decided the girls should be seen at hospital, after a visit to A&E they were given the all clear and could come home.

“We’re so grateful to the retained fire fighters of West Linton who come so promptly, one of them had just stepped into the bath. Our cottage ceiling height is a maximum of six feet, so it was quite a challenge for tall chaps in helmets and full gear.”

The family have since replaced their old fire following advice from the firefighters and Mary-Clare is urging other residents to buy a detector.

“I firmly believe the carbon monoxide alarm saved our lives and would urge all your readers to maintain their fires and buy a carbon monoxide alarm, for under £20 you can protect yourself and your family from ‘the silent killer’.”

For more, visit: www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/carbon-monoxide-poisoning.