Our History, Mission & Vision

Our History

Katharine Leah Haines (nee Samuel) – always known as Katie – was born on 31 January 1979 and was the daughter of Gordon and Avril Samuel and elder sister of Adam and Lydia.  Katie married Richard Haines on 12 December 2009 at St Mary’s Church, Fairford, Gloucestershire.  Tragically, on 18 February 2010, just two months after her wedding, Katie died of accidental carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning at her home in Wokingham. The Katie Haines Memorial Trust was founded in 2010 by Katie’s family to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide and in time support and promote other charities that would have been close to Katie’s heart.

Our Mission

We exist because of a tragic accident. Our work is inspired by the life of the person we lost. Our mission is to raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide and to prevent unnecessary loss of life. We are run by a committed group of individuals but rely on the help and support of others to ensure the dangers of carbon monoxide are prominent in people’s minds, particularly the most vulnerable groups in society – the elderly, children, university students and those living in low-cost accommodation.

Our Vision

• Our vision is that everyone in the UK understands the dangers of carbon monoxide and takes preventative measures to make sure that they do not fall victim to it.
• It is important to have all carbon burning appliances regularly maintained and serviced by an engineer qualified to work on that particular appliance and to check the engineer’s registration card.
• Blocked chimneys or flues can also cause carbon monoxide to enter the home and it is important that they are swept regularly by a registered sweep.
• Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm in all rooms where there are carbon burning appliances and remember to test them regularly – Test It Tuesday– and make sure they are within their expiry date.
• Pack a CO alarm in your suitcase when staying away from home