I am deeply saddened to learn that Lily was among the Navy personnel who lost their lives in the helicopter accident yesterday in Devon. Lily was a force of nature, the only serving female Commando, and inspiration to other young women - and frankly to me as well.
When I met her in Parliament in May 2025, I put the following post out on LinkedIn with the photo below.
"Her journey ... is one of courage, persistence, and service.
Lily is doing a fantastic job helping young people understand what life in the Armed Forces is really like, and why service matters.
We need more stories like hers in the public eye."
The names of the three individuals who sadly lost their lives this week have been released in full: Lt Cdr Chris Gayson, Lt Lil-Mae Fisher, PO Owen Green. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones at this terribly sad moment.
In a statement carried on the Royal Navy website, Lily's family say of her:
โLily-Mae was an extraordinary woman, daughter, sister, and partner. To say she was full of life is an understatement: she took every opportunity to push her limits, achieve more, and bring out the best in those around her.
โWe are so proud of everything she accomplished. She has left an immeasurable hole in our lives, and in all the lives she has touched and inspired. The family kindly ask for time and space at this difficult time.โ
@Esselsie@Ocado Once over half of mine wasn't put on the van. Response from customer service -I'm sorry that you missed out on your meal and had to pop out to the shops!ย ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ Training needed on use of exclamation mark I think!
PETITION: MAKE HOOLE BRIDGE SAFE FOR PEDESTRIANS & CYCLISTS.
Relaunching this petition in memory of Lee Stallwood
In 2019, we launched this campaign calling for Hoole Bridge in Chester to be made safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
At the time, candidates and local representatives came to Hoole Bridge, stood with residents, listened to the concerns, and supported the call for action.
Sadly, the safety improvements requested then have still not been delivered.
In the early hours of Thursday, 21st May 2026, cyclist Lee Stallwood was tragically killed on Hoole Bridge following a collision with a motorist who fled the scene.
Leeโs family have asked us to relaunch this petition in his memory, in the hope that his death can leave a lasting legacy that helps protect others.
Their wish is simple: that Leeโs legacy helps prevent another person from losing their life on Hoole Bridge, and prevents another family, group of friends and community from suffering the heartbreak they are now experiencing.
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Leeโs family have shared this tribute:
โLee was born on 28/11/1988 and tragically died on Hoole Bridge following a hit and run on 21/05/2026.
Lee was the most caring gentle giant. He absolutely loved winding his family and friends up with his pranks. He would do absolutely anything for anyone.
Lee worked hard for a living, at The Town Crier, then later at Wilkos and Poundland.
Lee was loved by absolutely everyone who met him. His loss is especially tragic for all of us, his family. We are all devastated. Xxxxโ
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Hoole Bridge has been a concern for pedestrians and cyclists for many years. The footpaths are narrow, cyclists have no safe dedicated route, and the volume of traffic makes the bridge feel unsafe for many people who use it every day.
This petition asks for immediate, practical action while a permanent solution is properly investigated, funded and delivered.
We respectfully ask Cheshire West and Chester Council, highways officers, local councillors, MPs, Cheshire Police, Network Rail, Active Travel England, the Department for Transport and all relevant authorities to work together urgently to make Hoole Bridge safer.
We specifically call on Cheshire West and Chester Council, including Councillor Karen Shore as Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, Councillor Louise Gittins as Leader of the Council, Rose McArthur as Director of Transport and Highways, Kathy McArdle as Executive Director for Place and Growth, and the local Newton and Hoole ward councillors Richard Beacham, Adam Langan and Gill Watson, to urgently review, fund and implement safety measures on Hoole Bridge.
We also ask Samantha Dixon MP to support Leeโs family, residents and all bridge users by helping to bring the relevant bodies together and pressing for action.
Immediate steps should include consideration of:
20mph speed limit on Hoole Bridge
clearer road markings and signage
better lighting
traffic calming measures
safer crossing arrangements
improved protection for pedestrians and cyclists
a full review of a long term safe walking and cycling route over the bridge
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The purpose of this petition is not to blame. It is to protect lives.
Concerns have been raised before. Studies have been discussed before. Promises of support have been made before. Now, following Leeโs tragic death, we are asking for those concerns to be treated with the urgency they deserve.
In 1905, a scheme was agreed to build a footbridge alongside the existing structure. More than 120 years later, residents are still waiting for a safe solution.
In 2009, concerns were again raised about the danger to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. At that time, Hoole Bridge was recorded as carrying more than 21,000 vehicles a day, with nearly 300 cyclists and almost 3,000 pedestrians crossing in a 12 hour period.
The footways were described as not meeting current standards, and there was no separate provision for cyclists.
Yet no meaningful improvement followed.
https://t.co/AzLjwB5nbA
@ShitChester
Just wanted to say a massive thank you to the crew of the @ScotAirAmb last night for flying out to Arran to collect my dad after he suffered a stroke yesterday. They safely got him across the water to the mainland. A long day for this crew no doubt, yet they came for him. I hope this tweet makes it back to them. As a fellow helicopter crew gal, I hope you know how much what you do matters to people. ๐๐ซถ dad is talking now, but a long road ahead ๐๐ข
Hereโs the text of the story I told for my Pause for Thought on @BBCRadio2 with Revd Kate Bottley and Jason Mohammad this morning - all about Jadonโs dramatic journey from cheating drug dealer to a brilliant youth worker!