An inquest into the death of Sally Witcomb, who was volunteering as a Project Manager for the well known UK-registered organisation, Raleigh International Expeditions, is due to begin on Tuesday 13 October 2009. Sally Witcomb, 32, had been a popular guide leader for 6th Cheam Guides and had left her job at a chocolate company to follow her dream to travel and work with children. She died on 26 March 2007 after falling from a height of 7m whilst on a zip wire. Sally’s harness became detached from a safety rope during the activity at an outdoor centre in Windhoek, Namibia.
The inquest process will be looking at the circumstances of her death. Sally’s family are concerned to find out whether there were lapses in safety standards.
Stacey Adams, Raleigh International’s Chief Executive, will be present at the inquest to answer questions from the coroner and Sally’s family.
The family of Sally Witcomb hope that the inquest will shed light on Sally’s death and that if shortcomings are identified that these can be highlighted. Gareth Witcomb, Sally’s brother, said that “Parents of those planning gap-year expeditions have a right to expect organisations such as Raleigh to take proper care of their children. We hope the inquest will shed light on how this happened and enable Raleigh and others to learn lessons for the future to prevent other families experiencing the tragic and needless loss of a loved one.”
The family are being represented by
Sally Moore of Leigh Day and Co solicitors and Dr Margaret Bloom, barrister at
Hardwicke Chambers. The coroner is Dr Roy N Palmer and the inquest will start at 13 October 2009 at HM Coroner, Southern District of London, Coroner’s Court, Barclay Road, Croydon, CR9 3NE
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