'I think of him every time I go past' - tributes to 'absolute gentleman' as family back tree campaign
Community tributes have been paid to an ‘absolute gentleman’ a year after his tragic death - as his family put their weight behind a new safety campaign.
Recently-married Paul Fiddler died at the scene when a 200-year-old tree hit his van on Longton Bypass during Storm Darragh in December 2024. He was on his way to work at the family business, Hughes and Fiddler in Freckleton, where he grew up.
This week his sister, Sally Elliott, lovingly paid tribute to the 41-year-old, and announced that she was backing Chris’s Law - a campaign led by Fiona and Sam Hall that aims to make it mandatory for all councils across the UK to regularly inspect, assess, and maintain trees in public spaces and parks.
A Health and Safety (HSE) investigation into what happened in Paul’s case is still underway, and while it is not yet possible to know if Paul’s death could have been prevented, his family are keen local people know about Chris’s Law, and add their signatures to the cause.
Readers have praised Sally and Paul’s family for bringing the campaign to local attention, and have paid tribute to Paul, many commenting that the accident is never far from their minds.
Eve's Wellbeing Practice said: “I am so sorry for your loss. I live nearby and after I've heard what happened to your brother I can't help but worry every time I see trees by the road. Some of them look really old.”
Julie Tattler-Wareing said: “I do this route quite often and always think about your brother, thank you for your campaign . Sending much love xx’
Marie Louise Worsley said: “I didn’t know him but think of his tragedy every time I go past.”
“Legend”
Ange Goldup-Gray said: “Never forgotten Paul you were a legend. I'll never forget your greeting every time I saw you ‘how we doin Ange alright?’”
Michael Brennan said: “Was a lovely fella. RIP Paul, such a cruel world.”
Taz Mukadam said: “An absolute gentleman. X”
Di Helen said: “Very sad loss. Paul was a great lad.”
Marie Abela said: “Paul was such a lovely helpful bloke, well known on Larches. Very sad loss to everyone, hope he’s RIP xx”
South Ribble Borough Council
The tree that fell on Paul’s van was on land belonging to South Ribble Borough Council. Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said: “The passing of Mr Fiddler was a tragedy, and our thoughts continue to be with his loved ones. An investigation is currently being undertaken into this incident, and we are fully supporting this process.
“As a council we regularly undertake tree inspections on a risk basis and consider if trees which are near roads or in places where pedestrians can access are safe. Trees deemed unsafe can be cut back or felled dependant on the risk found. We are committed to ensuring the safety of our residents and will continue our work to risk assess trees.”