The devastating human cost of Britain's flooding crisis has been laid bare by a grieving son who discovered his mother's body in her waterlogged Chesterfield home after Storm Babet.
In an exclusive and emotionally charged interview, Lee Gilbert has issued a powerful plea to ministers, demanding a radical increase in flood defence funding to prevent other families from suffering similar tragedies.
A Community Submerged
Storm Babet, which battered the UK in October 2023, unleashed catastrophic flooding across Derbyshire. The town of Chesterfield was among the worst hit, with the relentless River Rother bursting its banks and inundating homes with shocking speed.
Despite prior warnings, 83-year-old Maureen Gilbert became trapped in her bungalow on the Riverdene estate as murky, fast-rising water overwhelmed the property. Her son, Lee, made a frantic dash to reach her but was forced to turn back by the perilous conditions, unable to penetrate the floodwaters that had already submerged the ground floor.
A Son's Agonising Discovery
Tragically, it was Mr Gilbert who later found his mother's body. The aftermath revealed a critical failure: the property's flood gate, a last line of defence, had not been properly deployed. An investigation by the Environment Agency confirmed this failure was a key factor in the inundation.
"You don't expect your mum to die in a flood," Mr Gilbert stated, his voice heavy with grief. "The system failed her. It's failing communities all over the country. We need action, not words, before more people die."
Calling for a National Flood Defence Revolution
Mr Gilbert's personal tragedy has transformed into a national campaign. He is now calling for a fundamental overhaul of the UK's approach to flood resilience, arguing that current funding is woefully inadequate for the escalating threat posed by climate change.
His demands include:
- Substantially increased investment in national flood defence infrastructure.
- Clearer and more effective protocols for deploying property-level defences like flood gates.
- A thorough review of emergency response plans for vulnerable residents during severe weather events.
- Greater accountability from water agencies and local authorities.
His call echoes a growing consensus among experts. The government's own projections indicate that millions of properties across England remain at risk, with the frequency and severity of flooding events set to rise.
A Legacy for Maureen
While no amount of money can bring his mother back, Lee Gilbert is determined that her death will not be in vain. He hopes his campaign will force a seismic shift in policy, leading to smarter investment and robust defences that protect the most vulnerable.
"This isn't just about Chesterfield," he emphasised. "This is about every town, every street, every family that could be next. We need to prepare for the future, because the storms are coming."
