Six-year-old poisoned by faulty boiler

The father of a six year old who died of carbon monoxide poison has launched a campaign to warn other parents of the deadly risk posed by faulty boilers. Multi-millionaire Nicolas Giaque's daughter Elizabeth died when a boiler at a mansion rented by her family gave out lethal levels of carbon monoxide.

'Not getting your boiler checked or having carbon monoxide detectors is like driving your car with faulty brakes,' said Mr Giauque, who was rated the 86th richest person by The Sunday Times rich list. You may think you can do without the expense but it is a small price to pay for a life. Before Elisabeth died we hardly gave it a second thought. We have learned the hard way and our precious daughter has died.'

The Giaques moved into the rented house in Wimbledon which had a valid gas certificate. But the family didn't have the boiler checked over the next two years which is when it began to pump out the toxic fumes directly below their daughter's bedroom.

Despite being rushed to hospital when she collapsed, Elizabeth didn't regain consciousness and it wasn't until relatives stayed in her bedroom and woke up feeling ill that the problem was identified.

'Elisabeth was a beautiful, happy child who was always smiling,' her mother told the Coroner's court. 'I knew very little about carbon monoxide and the possible dangers before this happened. Now we have carbon monoxide detectors in every single room and have gone to the opposite extreme. I just want other families to understand this is a serious danger which could easily be prevented.'

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