The widow of a gardener who was electrocuted after cutting through a substation wire while pruning hedges says she lost her 'soulmate'.

Tina Campbell said her life had been "completely shattered" following father of two Blair Campbell's tragic death at the age of 35. 

An inquest heard he moved to the UK from New Zealand and set up the firm Blue Kiwi Gardens and Maintenance in plush Mobberley, Cheshire, in around 2020.

But as he was cutting hedges at a local home, he suffered a fatal electric shock when he came into contact with wires on a pole-mounted substation on Monday 3 October 2022.

He was airlifted to a hospital but passed away a short time later.

The inquest at Cheshire Coroner's Court from 21 to 23 October this year heard that the pole structure of the substation had been covered in dense ivy at the time.  

The jury was told that this had completely covered the required warning signs, meaning that Blair was unaware of the dangers.

It was also noted by the court that before Blair's death, numerous reports had been made about a need to remove the ivy that were not acted on. 

SP Energy Networks, which maintains the substation, has now made changes to its health and safety policy following the tragic incident.

After the inquest, where Blair's cause of death was given as electrocution, Tina said she still deeply mourned the loss of her husband.

She said: "Blair was my soul mate. We met while I was in New Zealand and he decided to move to the UK to be with me.  

"After that, we were inseparable and couldn't wait to spend our future together.

"I'll never forget the feeling when I was told that he had died. He'd gone off to work as normal and said it was only a half day so I didn't expect it was a big job. 

"So when I was told that Blair had had an accident, I remember thinking he would be okay as he was so fit and healthy.

"But then I found out how serious it was and he'd been airlifted.  

"My heart sank when I was taken into the relative's room at the hospital, and it was completely shattered when the doctor told me Blair had died.

"To this day, I still wake up hoping that it's all been a terrible nightmare. 

"It's been extremely tough hearing everything again at the inquest but I know I needed to get answers so I could honour Blair's memory."

Following Blair's death, which was reported to the Health and Safety Executive, Tina instructed lawyers Irwin Mitchell to help her obtain answers at an inquest.

Steve Hill, representing Tina, said: "Understandably, coming to terms with losing Blair at such a young age has been incredibly difficult for Tina who continues to struggle with his sudden and tragic death.

"She's also understandably had a number of questions and concerns over what happened to Blair, and while nothing will make up for her loss, we're pleased to have at least been able to provide Tina with some of the answers she deserved."

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