A CAMPAIGNING mum has brought about a change in the law to help grieving parents get time off work - eight years after her toddler son drowned in the family pond in Furness.

Lucy Herd’s son Jack Herd died at their home in Stank in August 2010 when she took her eye off him for a second.

He was 23 months old.

Lucy said her heart was “broken into a million pieces”.

Her husband was allowed just three days paid leave from his engineering job.

The tragedy devastated the family, but she embarked on a campaign – Jack’s Rainbow – asking the government to give parents improved statutory bereavement leave following the death of a child.

Her eight-year battle has ended in victory after the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill received royal assent.

Employed parents who lose a child under 18 will now receive two weeks’ paid leave under the act, which is expected to come into force in 2020.

“In the immediate aftermath of the death parents have to cope with their own loss, the grief of their wider family, including other children, as well as a vast amount of administrative and other arrangements,” said Lucy.

“A sudden or accidental death may require a post mortem or inquest; there is a funeral to arrange; and many other organisations to contact from schools to benefit offices.

“I always hoped that a change would happen in his memory. It has always been about making a positive in his memory.

“Knowing that eight years of campaigning has helped create legislation to ensure bereaved parents are protected in the future is such a wonderful feeling and I am so grateful to all those involved.”

Shortly after the tragedy she met with Barrow and Furness MP John Woodcock who offered support.

He said: “Nothing can come close to the heartbreak of those who have suffered the death of a young child and I met Lucy several times shortly after Jack’s tragic death.

“Despite the pain she was going through Lucy was determined that something positive should come out of her loss and she has taken her campaign forward with the intention of making life a bit easier for grieving parents.”

He added: “It was a privilege to get to know her when she was a constituent and her determination will make a difference to so many others in her terrible situation.”

Kelly Tolhurst, the business minister, paid tribute to the “bravery” of campaigners such as Ms Herd in helping bring about the “important milestone”.

She said: “Losing a child is an unimaginable trauma.

“I am delighted we have reached this important milestone which so many have campaigned for.

“I’d like to thank all the people who have helped make this law a reality, including the brave parent campaigners who have spoken out about their own experiences.”