I met with Zach Eagling in parliament this week after a law bearing his name went live following a campaign to stop internet abuse by me and colleagues.
Me and Watford MP Dean Russell led the campaign in parliament alongside the Epilepsy Society for ‘Zach’s Law’.
Zach from Hartshead in Yorkshire, who has epilepsy and cerebral palsy, was a victim of malicious attacks by trolls sending flashing images designed to trigger seizures as he raised money for charity in 2020 aged just eight.
Outraged by what happened, Dean and I worked to successfully put Zach’s law into the Online Safety Act and the law went live on the 31st January.
Zach, now 12, was in parliament with his mum Claire on Wednesday to meet the Prime Minister, who presented him with 2024’s first Points of Light Award.
The accolade recognises an outstanding individual volunteer, charity leader or community champion for the positive change that they have made.
Later Zach and his family visited 10 Downing Street, posing for photos outside the famous door.
I was proud to see Zach receive this award from the PM and even prouder he has done so much to make sure his law will now stop vile online trolls targeting those with epilepsy.
Dean, myself and the excellent Epilepsy Society knew something had to be done to stop this terrible practice and this success is testament to one very committed young man and his family who have made a huge difference.
