A couple from Witham were behind the Government's recent proposal to bar sales of aspirin to under sixteens.
It marked the high point in a 20-year campaign to call attention to the dangers of the familiar drug to young people.
Aspirin can cause the rare Reye's Syndrome, which can kill or cause severe brain damage.
Clifford Harrington, made an MBE for his part in the campaign, and his wife Audrey, the clerk of Witham Town Council, formed the British Reye's Syndrome Foundation to research the problem after their daughter Katie,11, died from the condition after taking aspirin in 1981.
She had taken only four tablets to help her get over flu.
"This is a big step in the right direction," said Mrs Harrington. "It is not yet law, but I do not see the Government going back on itself after an expert has advised them to raise the age to 16.
"The American Government advised people many years ago not to use use aspirin under the age of 19."
More in this week's Essex Chronicle
Published Tuesday October 29, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article