'The Salisbury Poisonings': Where are the victims and heroes of the Russian Novichok attack today?
'The Salisbury Poisonings' is one of those stories that makes you realize that reality is stranger than fiction or more to fit the content of the show, it is scarier. This three-part fact-based television drama tells the story of the 2018 Salisbury Poisonings and how the local people and authorities came together to show unprecedented heroism in the face of adversity.
Written by former BBC journalists Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson, 'The Salisbury Poisonings' is actually told from the perspective of local heroes who were victims of the poisonings. When the series ends, we have a glimpse of where life has brought the characters. Here's an in-depth look. Based on real-life shocking incidents, the series premieres on AMC+ on Thursday, October 1, 2020.
Tracy Daszkiewicz
Tracy Daszkiewicz is the woman at the center of the public health crisis. Over the course of the four episodes of the series, she goes from someone who is not confident to take on the responsibility of the crisis to practically averting it. She was formerly the Director of Public Health and Safety for the county of Wiltshire but got a promotion following her prompt actions in the Novichok poisonings and became the Deputy Director of Population Health and Wellbeing at Public Health England.
Ted Daszkiewicz
Ted Daszkiewicz, Tracy's husband is shown as the supportive sort who understands that Tracy cannot divulge public safety secrets to him - he doesn't even know that she is working on the Novichok poisonings till the very end but remains supportive regardless. At her lowest, he picks her up with his humor and wit. As per the latest update on the Daszkiewicz family, the couple lives with their son Toby in Salisbury.
Dawn Sturgess
(BBC)
While the whole of the Novichok poisonings incident was shocking and heartbreaking, it was perhaps Dawn's story that was the most gut-wrenching. Dawn can hardly be considered collateral damage as a result of poor disposition of the poison. Following her death, the media had painted her as an alcoholic and an addict who brought this upon herself. BBC's 'The Salisbury Poisonings', in fact, gives her a tribute - dedicating it to her memory.
Following her death, the family had to wait one month before it was safe to hold a funeral for her. Theresa May, who was the British Prime Minister at the time, had said she was “appalled and shocked” at the tragic events, and sent her “thoughts and condolences” to Dawn's family. According to the latest information on her, Dawn's family started legal action to uncover more details surrounding her death.
DS Nick Bailey
Nick was the most heart-rendering character in 'The Salisbury Poisonings'. As a first respondent at the site of Skripal and Yulia poisoning, he is among the first people to get infected with the nerve agent. This leads to his body shutting down and he is admitted in the hospital, soon afterward administered a coma in order to save his life. As he recovers over the course of the series, he returns to work as a police officer, but soon realizes that he must invest more time in mentally recovering from the accident.
According to the latest update Nick, in 2019, ran the Salisbury Marathon in order to raise funds for the hospital that saved his life. True to his fighting spirit, Nick remains in the police service and focuses on recovery - both mental and physical.
Sarah Bailey
Nick's wife, Sarah is seen as a supportive, relentless woman who doesn't leave her husband's side for even a little bit. She is always there with him and doesn't once doubt that he will recover.
Supt Dave Minty
Supt Dave Minty is one of the first people who is supportive of Tracy. He even becomes a confidante to her later in the series following the Amesbury Poisonings. According to a 2020 report, Dave, who is married with a young son, was apart from them for most of the six months during the poisonings. He is still working for the Wiltshire Police. For his response to the Salisbury and Amesbury poisonings, he was recognized in the last year's honors list. And has been awarded a Queen's Police Medal.
