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A MUM has described her terror after discovering her two-year-old son choking on a coin – before saving him with seconds to spare.
Ashley Bufton, 35, from Ashford, Kent, was cleaning when she realised that Bailey, who has autism, was unable to breathe.
She said: “I heard him take a really sharp intake of breath. As I turned around, he was clearly not able to breathe.
“He was panicking, his eyes were watering and I completely freaked out.
“It was absolutely terrifying. My heart stopped. I didn’t even know what was in his mouth.”
The desperate mum‘s panic continued as the traditional method of back blows failed to work.
She then phoned emergency services – speaking to an operator on loudspeaker as she continued trying to dislodge the coin from the toddler’s airway.
Eventually, Ashley was able to locate an airway clearance device, which successfully sucked the coin out on the second attempt.
Ashley added: “Bailey vomited and then took a massive breath of air in.
“I just remember feeling relief and I picked the penny up and I was still on the phone to the operator.
“It took another 13 minutes for paramedics to arrive, by which time, had I not had the LifeVac, serious damage could have been done.
“This is because no amount of me hitting him on his back or doing any of the manoeuvres that would normally have worked was working because the penny had managed to lodge itself sideways.”
Thanks to Ashley’s quick-thinking, Bailey fully recovered within 30 minutes.
LifeVac – the device Ashley used – gained attention after it was promoted by the parents of Oliver Steeper, who died after choking at a nursery in Ashford three years ago.
They have campaigned to get the equipment in all Kent pre-schools.
Ashley praised the parents’ work, saying: “I’m very grateful that Oliver’s family have taken the initiative to tell his story – tell their story to save other children. And that is exactly what they’ve done in my case.
“I believe [the device] stopped my son from dying or having severe brain damage.
“I’m really grateful that it exists because I don’t think my son would be here if it didn’t.
“Had I not had the device I would have had to wait until those paramedics turned up and then for them to get him to the hospital to remove it. So in a time-sensitive situation, it saved his life.”
She added that she had now showed her other two children how to use it in case of a similar emergency.
Oliver Steeper choked on food at the Jelly Beans Day Nursery in Ashford on September 23, 2021.
The nine-month-old died six days later at the Evelina Children’s Hospital in London.
The jury at an eight-day inquest last May returned a conclusion of misadventure.
In August last year, his parents Lewis and Zoe Steeper began setting up the Oliver Steeper Foundation.
This was to raise funds and campaign for all pre-schools in Kent to have the anti-choking devices manufactured by the Australian-registered company LifeVac.
Last December they used the equipment to save their 11-month-old son Jake when he choked on Calpol.
Here are the steps to follow if your child is choking, according to the Red Cross.
THIS is the terrifying moment smoke billows from a burning chemical lab as a massive fire has sparked evacuations.
Footage shows a huge plume of multi-coloured smoke gushing into the air as the fire in Conyers, Georgia, ripped through the building.
Thousands of people have been evacuated and others given a shelter in place order as hazardous smoke drifts through the air.
The site, run by BioLab, is about 30 miles east of Atlanta and manufactures swimming pool and spa treatment products – including using chlorine, according to CNN.
Those chemicals have now been burning for hours with the fire still going 12 hours after it began.
The blaze started at around 5am EST when a sprinkler at the facility malfunctioned and sprayed water on a chemical that sparked an explosion, Atlanta News First reported.
Hazmat crews and other emergency services have respond to a the fire with the nearby highway also blocked off.
Rockdale County Sheriff, Eric Levett, said: “I want to strongly ask all of you to please spread the word to stay away from this area at this point.
“It’s burning pretty good. We’re trying to get that under control, but at the same time we’re also trying to get the traffic under control.”
The southwest wind is blowing the smoke across to Walton County.
Walton County Emergency Management director, Carl Morrow, has shared an alert for the county residents.
The alert stated: “Walton County EMA is aware of what is happening in our neighboring county of Rockdale.
“We are monitoring the situation and advise that if you smell a chlorine odour you should turn off your air conditioners, turn on your ceiling fans and if possible bring your outside animals indoors.”
A BioLab statement said: “Our employees are accounted for with no injuries reported. Our team is on the scene, working with first responders and local authorities to assess and contain the situation.”
“As always, the safety of our community remains our top priority.”
Conyers Mayor Vince Evans urged residents who choose not to evacuate to stay in place and not wander or drive around the city.
He said: “This is not the time to do any type of sightseeing. We are strongly encouraging everyone, no matter where you’re coming from, but especially Rockdale residents, to stay out of this area.”
Residents between Sigman Road and Interstate 20 have been asked to evacuate.
In September 2020, BioLab experienced a “thermal decomposition event” that also led to a fire that temporarily closed Interstate 20.
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.
Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today.
ARIES
March 21 to April 20
Those distant work dreams you may have stored away in your “Impossible” mindset can come back, bigger than ever.
Finding something you love to do is right there in your power, if you give it the right time and effort.
And above all, take yourself and your skills seriously. Love deepens as two people share one plate of food.
TAURUS
April 21 to May 21
Friends may seem to put a spanner in your works all day – perhaps because they want to protect you.
But if you know inside a move is the right one for you – push forward anyway.
You have a strong chart of independence, with a romantic twist. So do let yourself be vulnerable with that one special person.
Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
GEMINI
May 22 to June 21
Family and money make a tricky mix as Mars’ heat is on for Gemini people who are too canny or seem hellbent on holding you back.
There is a compromise, and you can find it when you look at spending and spot a forgotten loophole.
Love-wise, it’s a big ask to be the bigger person, but this is your day.
Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CANCER
June 22 to July 22
Unlocking hidden potential in your home is your theme as Mercury and the sun match up.
You have such a smart grasp of what can be done on a limited budget.
Focusing on what you have, instead of what you wish for, can be a star-sent approach. In love, romance means more when you decide to value it.
Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LEO
July 23 to August 23
The one thing you have in abundance is ambition – and adding a Saturn dose of realism to your plans is what can help them fly.
Try taking one goal at a time, instead of feeling overwhelmed.
Soon as you put a work idea into words, you can start to see how it would succeed – do share this with your most trusted colleague.
Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
VIRGO
August 24 to September 22
Your standing in a settled group may not be everything you hope for – try not to ignore a new set of people who could offer you so much.
Familiarity is safe, but you are ready for fresh challenges.
In love? Speak about your concerns, even if it feels difficult. Single? First see The One talking to camera.
Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
LIBRA
September 23 to October 23
With the calm influence of Venus operating in your financial zone, this is prime time for a money refresh.
The moon brings dreams into focus and unlocks a secret source of cash, too.
It may involve asking for advice, but you will choose the right person. Passion rewards your efforts, so dare to show that you care.
Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
The traditional dates used by Mystic Meg for each sign are below.
SCORPIO
October 24 to November 22
As the month ends you can realise a key “S” romance chance you missed. It’s not too late to act if you follow your heart.
A strong moon shows satisfaction in the smallest shared tasks, so this is a great day to sign up for a local role.
Saturn may restrict creative plans, but you can still get them to work.
Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 to December 21
Mars, the planet of explosive choices is placed in your secrets sector. So if you’re tempted to share privileged information, this can be your day.
Just be aware that people may not all react the way you expect.
Gossip is not right for you right now, especially at work – only base decisions on what you know to be true.
Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
CAPRICORN
December 22 to January 20
As Mercury makes clear, strong future suggestions, Saturn may limit your confidence – and it’s hard to find a balance.
Starting small can be the solution, instead of trying to solve issues at the same time.
Love is happy-go-lucky all day, go with this and let your heart find some simple shared space to breathe and chill out.
Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
AQUARIUS
January 21 to February 18
You have all the Venus passion tools to put together a great relationship – as long as it is something that feels good rather than just looks good.
Only you can know the difference.
Meanwhile, Mercury’s skills bring back a series of names or numbers that can tap into luck by tonight. A style makeover is worth restarting.
Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
PISCES
February 19 to March 20
If you know you’ve been biting back comments – maybe criticism – within your circle, take time to consider what you need to express.
Your chart suggests a strained silence is the least welcome outcome.
A marriage moon makes love seem so lasting and loving – yes, even with someone you have only just met.
Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions
THE UK’s biggest energy firms have been ranked from best to worst for customer service.
Charity Citizens Advice’s latest league table has revealed that ratings across the energy industry are showing “sluggish improvement”.
Fresh analysis from the consumer champion has seen EDF and Utilita named as the two worst suppliers for customer service.
They were followed by Rebel Energy and Octopus Energy.
At the other end of the scale, smaller firms like Ecotricity and Utility Warehouse claimed first and second place respectively.
They were then followed by E (gas and electricity) and Outfox the Market.
The league table rated customer service between April to June this year.
The average rating is now 3.07, which is a rise of almost 13% since the start of 2024 and a return to levels seen before the energy crisis.
However, the charity has warned more needs to be done as three in five customers are served by suppliers which score below average in the league table.
The news today comes after energy regulator Ofgem recently challenged suppliers to improve customer service, amid complaints about billing problems.
It also said the sector was found to be lagging behind others with higher customer satisfaction, such as banking.
Citizens Advice says “people deserve better” from their energy supplier and is renewing its call for a Consumer Duty.
This involves a new set of rules to give Ofgem stronger powers to hold companies to account and “set a higher bar” for customer service in the energy industry.
The charity says it’s already helping record numbers who have fallen behind on bills.
Recent research shows one in four people are so worried about increases in energy costs that they say they’ll be forced to turn off their heating and hot water this winter.
It also found that 5million people are currently living in households in debt to their supplier.
Energy companies are responsible for providing support, like affordable payment plans, to people who can’t afford their bills.
The charity is encouraging people to get in touch with their supplier if they need help.
It is also urging firms to continue upping their game so people can access the support they need this winter.
The report comes ahead of the October price cap rise which kicks in on the 1st.
The new price cap will see the average bill rise for around 28million households to £1,717 from £1,568 a year – an increase of 10%, or £149.
Overall, Citizens Advice found energy companies performed better in their ability to resolve customer complaints and call wait times have also continued to improve.
Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “We’re bracing ourselves for another challenging winter. Whilst suppliers’ customer service improved in the spring, firms need to continue upping their game to ensure people can access support in the colder months.
“With energy debt at a record high and the removal of previous support packages, the government must also urgently introduce targeted bill support that reflects the realities of people’s energy needs.”
Responding to Citizen Advice’s report, Ofgem says it has been “working hard” with the sector.
An Ofgem spokesperson said: “Energy consumers deserve an easy and reliable service from their supplier.
“We’ve been working hard with the sector to drive up standards and create a more customer-centric energy future.
“This includes strengthening our procedures to take firmer action against suppliers when things go wrong and toughening up the rules around customer bills for greater accuracy.”
The regulator added that it’s clear the work of the government, regulator, consumer groups and firm is starting to make a difference.
Adding: “But there is lots more work to be done to ensure exceptional customer service is the norm across the board and the energy sector is among the best sectors for how customers are treated.
“We will use all the powers at our disposal to get there.”
Citizens Advice has scored suppliers out of five on customer service categories including call wait times, how long it takes to get an email reply and accuracy of energy bills.
Utilita came 15th in the ranking with a 1.86 rating for April to June – it also only scored 1.5 stars out of five.
In 14th place is EDF, with a rating of 2.41 and just two stars.
Rebel Energy received a 2.68 rating – putting it in third to last position. It received 2.5 stars.
Utilita, EDF, and Rebel Energy have all been contacted for comment.
At the other end, Ecotricity secured the top spot with a 3.77 rating and 3.5 stars.
This is the same rating it received in the months between January to March.
In second place came Utility Warehouse with three stars and a 3.42 rating.
The third position went to E (Gas and Electricity) also with a rating of 3.42 and three stars.
THERE'S a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by.
If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter.
This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period.
If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don’t think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal.
Several energy firms have grant schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills.
But eligibility criteria varies depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances.
For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000.
British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund.
You don’t need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund.
EDF, E.ON, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too.
Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR).
The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill, and some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you’re struggling.
Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Similar to financial services firms, energy companies have to have a complaints procedure for customers to follow.
When you make a complaint, make sure you follow this so they have the information they need to resolve the issue.
Simply explain what the problem is and what you want your supplier to do about it.
Check your energy supplier’s website for an explanation of how to launch a complaint.
Energy suppliers have eight weeks to respond and come to a decision.
If it doesn’t or you’re not happy with the response, you can take the firm to the Energy Ombudsman.
The Energy Ombudsman may be able to help if you have a complaint about an energy or communications provider.
Before you can submit your complaint to it, you must have logged a formal complaint with your provider and worked with the firm to resolve it.
You must also have received a so-called deadlock letter, where the provider refers your complaint to the Energy Ombudsman.
You can also complain if you haven’t had a satisfactory solution to your problem within eight weeks.
The Energy Ombudsman then bases its decision on the evidence you and the company submit.
If you choose to accept its decision, your supplier then has 28 days to comply.
The Ombudsman’s decisions are binding on the energy company.
If your supplier refuses to follow the instruction, the Ombudsman may get in touch with Ofgem to remedy the situation – but there’s no set period for escalating issues to the regulator and it’s not up to the customer.
If an individual chooses not to accept the Ombudsman’s final decision, they lose the right to the resolution offer.
Customers still have the right to take their complaints further through the courts.
But remember this can be a costly and lengthy exercise, so it’s worth thinking carefully before taking this step.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
The Lenoir-Rhyne Men’s Soccer team fell to #8 Wingate 2-0 on Saturday evening. This was the Bear’s first SAC loss of the season, and they will look to rebound on…
More on Lenoir-Rhyne Men’s Soccer Falls to Nationally Ranked Wingate available on WHKY.
