The legacy of a teenager who drowned after being swept into the sea continues 14 years on. Birkenhead schoolboy Sam Capper, 15, fell into the water on August 1 2012 when a five-foot wave swept him off rocks at Blue Pool Bay, Llangennith, Swansea, where he had been on a family camping holiday.
Brother's rescue attempt
Sam's older brother Lewis Hunt jumped into the water and battled for half an hour to keep them both afloat. The brothers were pulled from the water by lifeboat crews from Burry Port RNLI, and Sam was airlifted to hospital, where he later died.
In a tribute at the time, their mum Leah Hunt said: "We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and thoughts during what is a really difficult time for us. Sam, who most people knew as Spud, was a unique, amazing, boy who touched the lives of so many people with his generosity, kindness and infectious laugh."
Fundraising legacy
Each year, fundraising activities are held in Sam's memory, including the annual Sam Capper Memorial Day, charity football matches, sponsored walks, raffles and auctions. This year's Memorial Day, held at Tranmere Victoria Cricket Club, raised £3,223.
The latest fundraising means that, since 2012, almost £40,000 has now been raised in Sam's memory for Burry Port RNLI. Former Burry Port RNLI Chairman Trevor Griffiths said: "On behalf of everyone at Burry Port Lifeboat Station, I cannot thank Leah, her family, friends and everyone who has supported them over the years enough for what they continue to do in Sam's memory."
Ongoing support
A statement from the station added: "For Leah, the fundraising has remained both a way of keeping Sam's memory alive and recognising the RNLI volunteers who responded to the family's emergency in 2012. The relationship between the family and the station has continued over the years, with their visits to Burry Port becoming about much more than presenting a cheque."
Burry Port RNLI thanked Leah, her family and friends, everyone involved in the Sam Capper Memorial Day, and all those who have donated prizes, sponsored events or contributed to the fundraising over the years. Their continued support ensures that Sam's memory lives on while helping RNLI volunteers continue their lifesaving work at sea.
