British television personality Chloe Lewis has publicly revealed the distressing details of a severe ice skating accident involving her six-year-old son, Beau, which resulted in the partial loss of his finger. The former star of The Only Way Is Essex, aged 35, described the incident as a parent's worst nightmare, occurring on New Year's Eve as London celebrated the arrival of 2026.
A Harrowing New Year's Eve Incident
In an emotional Instagram post, Lewis recounted receiving a phone call that no parent ever wishes to receive. Her son, Beau, whom she shares with stockbroker Danny Flasher, had fallen while ice skating. Tragically, another skater ran over his finger with bladed skates, severing part of it. Lewis shared a video capturing fireworks outside a window, juxtaposed with footage of Beau lying in a hospital bed, highlighting the stark contrast between celebration and crisis.
The frantic 45-minute dash to reach her son was described as a complete blur. Upon arrival, Lewis found Beau wrapped in a silver medical blanket, his brave demeanor heartbreaking her. She recalled him reassuring her, saying, "It's fine mum, you don't need to cry, I'm okay. My finger's going to be okay." Beau was promptly taken to The Royal London Hospital in east London for an X-ray and underwent a three-and-a-half-hour plastic surgery procedure to address the injury.
The Emotional Toll and Surgical Outcome
Lewis expressed the profound distress of watching her child be put to sleep for surgery, calling it one of the worst experiences of her life. Initially, the procedure seemed successful, and she was allowed to be present when Beau woke up. However, eight weeks later, it was revealed that the surgery to reattach his finger had failed. Lewis explained that if the finger does not detach naturally, Beau will require another small operation to remove it, a development that left her shattered.
Reflecting on the accident, Lewis emphasized the importance of raising awareness about ice skating safety. She noted that the incident could have been prevented with proper protective gear, specifically gloves, which are not currently mandated for children in such settings.
Launching a Petition for Change
In response to the tragedy, Chloe Lewis has launched a petition on the official government website to advocate for legal changes. She is calling for a law that would require children to wear protective gloves while ice skating, citing the sharpness of skate blades as a significant hazard. The petition description states, "I'd like for the law to be changed so children are only permitted to ice skate if wearing protective gloves to protect their hands. The blades are so sharp."
At the time of publication, the petition has garnered over 7,000 signatures. It requires 10,000 signatures to receive a government response and 100,000 to be considered for debate in Parliament. Lewis hopes that this effort will lead to tangible safety improvements, telling her followers, "I hope one day I can tell Beau I changed the law because of him."
Background and Personal Journey
Chloe Lewis, who welcomed Beau in 2019 after a pregnancy that initially involved twins but ended in a miscarriage, has been open about her family's challenges. This accident adds to her personal trials, underscoring her resilience and commitment to child safety advocacy. Her story has resonated widely, drawing attention to the often-overlooked risks associated with recreational ice skating.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in everyday activities and the critical need for preventive measures. As the petition gains momentum, it highlights a growing public concern for enhancing safety protocols in sports and leisure environments to protect young participants from similar injuries.
