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The family and friends of a Birkenhead boy have continued his legacy by fundraising and recently reaching a total of almost £40,000 for the RNLI.
As reported by Birkenhead News, family and friends of Sam Capper undertook to fundraise in memory of their son and in gratitude for the lifeboat service.
Sam's mum Leah and her husband Rahim paid a visit to Burry Port RNLI in south Wales and were welcomed by volunteers on 15 August. They travelled from Wirral for their yearly visit to the lifeboat station and presented the proceeds of fundraising held in memory of Leah's son.
15-year-old Sam lost his life in 2012 while on holiday in the Gower in southwest Wales. An incident occurred near the small tidal island of Burry Holms. Sam's brother Lewis was rescued by volunteers from Burry Port RNLI.
The incident has left a lasting mark on the lifeboat station. A plaque is visible there for crew members and visitors. Leah and many of Sam's family and friends have turned his loss into an opportunity to support the charity through fundraising and thank them.
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, with supporters, local businesses and colleagues coming together to donate prizes, their time and their support.
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 said in a statement: "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.
Trevor said the crew will "always remember Sam and the events of that day", and praised Leah and her family for their work year after year of raising funds and supporting volunteers.
He added, "To now be just a few hundred pounds short of £40,000 is an incredible achievement. Every pound has been raised because people have come together to remember Sam and support the lifesaving work of the RNLI. We are incredibly grateful, and Leah and her family will always have a very special connection with Burry Port Lifeboat Station."
For Sam's mother, the fundraising has reportedly acted as a way of keeping his memory alive and recognising the hard work of the RNLI volunteers who responded to the incident back in 2012.
