THE MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for Delyn is calling for changes to be made to official travel advice following the tragic death of his sister-in-law.

Rob Roberts MP has been highlighting the dangers of altitude sickness following the death of Lorraine Roberts.

Mrs Roberts had been on a 'dream holiday' in Machu Picchu in Peru when she became unwell.

She died in her sleep a week before her 52nd birthday on August 31, 2022.

Mr Roberts highlighted the dangers that altitude sickness poses during a Westminster Hall debate on Tuesday, March 21.

The Delyn MP is calling for a change in Foreign Office advice for travellers to high altitude countries such as Peru and Nepal.

Speaking during the Westminster Hall debate, he said: "My family and I have come to experience this situation first hand as my sister-in-law Lorraine Roberts recently died from this while on her dream holiday with her partner visiting Machu Picchu in Peru. It had been on her bucket list for years.

"She followed the guidance on gradual assent. She had rest days, did everything that she thought was right, but wasn't feeling great.

"Nothing too serious, just generally under the weather, a bit sick and with almost hangover type symptoms, nothing that would normally stop anybody who was on the holiday of a lifetime."

He added: "On the evening of August 31, seven days before her 52nd birthday, Lorraine went to bed at the end of an amazing day and never woke up.

"The symptoms were a sign of altitude sickness, which left untreated turned into a pulmonary edema as she slept. It was nobody's fault.

"Please could the minister, look at all of the countries where travel advice exists and for all of those who have the potential for altitude sickness, to make the wording much stronger, giving a much greater warning for people about the dangers of this condition without them having to click on a link.

"Tell them in the body of the FCDO travel advice that altitude sickness can prove fatal if untreated. Put it in capital letters."

The Leader:

PIC: Rob Roberts MP.

In reply, Foreign Office minister David Rutley, said: "Following a surge in demand for clear travel advice during the pandemic and in line with our commitment to provide an accessible and easy to use digital service, FCDO reviewed its approach to travel advice design and content and our aim now is to improve the presentation and format of our travel advice pages.

"This will make it easier for the public to find the information they need when travelling."

He had earlier said: "The House will be aware that ultimately travel advice is just that, advice.

"Only travellers themselves can decide whether to travel and it is their responsibility to plan for a safe trip and to make and take sensible precautions, including when it comes to their health."

In a statement posted to Facebook, Rob Roberts MP added: "The action that I’m asking them to take is relatively simple. Just to revise the travel advice on the Government website to better highlight that dangers of altitude sickness and tell people that if they have symptoms for a prolonged period of time they should seek medical advice because in rare cases it can turn into potentially fatal illness like a pulmonary oedema (fluid in the lungs) or cerebral oedema (swelling of the brain).

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"Even if only one person changes their behaviour or seeks medical advice, it could be a life saved.

"Sadly, this information wasn’t known by my sister-in-law who died of a pulmonary oedema at Macchu Picchu in Peru last year. A small change to the wording on the website might have meant she could better identify the symptoms and seek help.

"It’s too late for Lorraine, but not for others. Hopefully the minister can agree to this minor change in the pursuit of saving lives."