©litewavedesign.com 2006 and the lee o'brien solvent trust.

Scottish Charity No. SCO35174

39 Turner Crescent, Methil, Fife, KY8 3DG
01592 714501

The Beginning

In January 2002 Lee O ’Brien died aged 16 years as a result of inhaling cigarette lighter refill gas.

LOST was formed by Lees father John and sister Susan and other family members, to begin a campaign against the sale of butane gas, sold as cigarette lighter refill gas, and to offer advice and support to those affected by solvent abuse.

LOST pushed for measures such as:

• compulsory identification for sales of refill gas.
• shops to keep records of products sold.
• increase of age limit to 21.
• a reduction in volume of canisters (250ml to 50ml).
• licences for retailers to sell refill gas.
• warning signs stating minimum age for sale of gas (as with alcohol and cigarettes).
• use of decoys in shops.

LOST also wanted to see the Scottish Executive give more attention to
awareness and education and to inform parents, children and retailers of
the dangers associated with solvent abuse.

Support/Achievements

• Kirkcaldy MSP Marilyn Livingstone represented LOST and put forward two motions to the Scottish Parliament in a bid for positive action against solvent abuse. The last motion had the support of 35 MSP’s and was debated at the Scottish Parliament in December 2002.
• LOST gathered 15 000 signatures for their petition circulated around Fife. Signatures include, actor Dougray Scott and snooker player Stephen Hendry who attended the same School as Lee. Many councillors and MSP’s from all over Scotland have also signed.
• Susan and John O’Brien attended the Scottish Parliament on 14th January 2002 and presented their concerns and reasons behind their petition to the Petitions Committee. A promising response was received and a number of LOST’s objectives are to be put forward to the Deputy Justice Minister for his consideration.
• Fife Council was first council to officially back LOST – Councillor Christine May represents LOST and acts as public spokesperson.
• Fife Drugs Forum and the Fife DAAT (Drugs & Alcohol Action Team) support LOST.
• 28 Scottish Council Authorities have now pledged their full support to LOST, including Edinburgh Councils, Glasgow and many others throughout Scotland.
• LOST received a letter from Prince William who offered his condolences and wished the group well with their work.

<< Click on Lee to read his story!