MP wins award for 'tireless' campaign to protect drivers

A SOUTH Yorkshire MP has been given a “parlimentarian of the year” award by a road safety charity for her work at raising awareness of a potentially fatal sleep condition affecting motorists.

Meg Munn, who represents Sheffield Heeley, began campaigning on sleep apnoea in early 2008, after she was contacted by a constituent about the death of his nephew in a road accident.

Toby Tweddell, 25, was killed on August 8, 2006, when a lorry ploughed into his car.

Ms Munn’s constituent Seb Schmoller wrote to her and said the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel.

Following the crash, it was found that the medical profession had previously failed to diagnose the lorry driver with sleep apnoea, which can cause sufferers to fall asleep in any situation.

Since then Ms Munn has raised the subject in a parliamentary debate, arguing that there was an urgent need for a change in regulation. She also met with road safety ministers over the issue last October.

The award was presented by Brake, a charity which aims to cut the number of road deaths across the country.

Cathy Keeler, deputy chief executive of Brake, said: “Meg’s substantial efforts to raise awareness of the problems of undiagnosed sleep apnoea in commercial drivers will prevent many more lives being needlessly lost, and many more families being devastated.

“Brake is delighted to award Meg ‘Parliamentarian of the Year – National Campaigner’ for her tireless national campaigning in parliament and with Government.”

“I urge everyone to support Meg in her excellent work and look forward to hearing how her campaign develops in 2010 through her work to encourage businesses to screen their drivers for sleep apnoea and offer treatment where necessary.”

After receiving the award, Ms Munn said: “I am delighted to receive the award. Toby Tweddell was killed by a lorry driver with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea.

“His uncle, my constituent, Seb Schmoller; Toby's fiance Jenny Crisp; and other members of Toby's family have undertaken substantial work to raise awareness and change policy.

“This award is a tribute to their determination to prevent other families suffering the same heartache.”