Sam Capper died after being hit by a five foot wave and swept out into the sea
Sam Capper was just 15 when he died after being swept into the water at Blue Pool Bay on the north Gower coast
Sam Capper was just 15 when he died after being swept into the water at Blue Pool Bay on the north Gower coast(Image: PA)
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The legacy of a teenager who drowned after being hit by a five foot wave continues 14 years on after his death. Birkenhead schoolboy Sam Capper, 15, fell into the water on August 1 2012 when a five-foot wave swept him off some rocks in Blue Pool Bay, Llangennith, Swansea, where he had been on a family camping holiday.
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.
"He loved his brothers and sisters and spent most of his time – when he wasn’t thinking about football – trying to help people and make people smile.
"He was a huge fan of Tranmere Rovers, though he also liked Arsenal – which caused a bit of good-natured rivalry with Lewis, who supports Liverpool. Sam has left a gap in our lives and will be missed, not just by his family, but by everyone who knew him.
"Our only consolation in this terrible tragedy is that, at the end, Sam wasn’t on his own – Lewis was with him, holding on to him tightly."
The incident has never been forgotten at Burry Port station, where a plaque at the station remains a poignant reminder for crew members and visitors.
Leah, left, visiting the crew at Burry Port RNLI station
Leah, left, visiting the crew at Burry Port RNLI station(Image: RNLI/Hannah Scoular)
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In the years since, Leah, her family, friends and supporters have turned their loss into an extraordinary legacy of support for the charity whose volunteers responded that day.
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 once again 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 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.
"We will always remember Sam and the events of that day. What Leah and her family have done since then is remarkable. Year after year they have returned, raised funds and continued to support our volunteer crew and the RNLI.
"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."
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.
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"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. Leah and her family remain warmly welcomed friends of the station and its volunteers.
"Burry Port RNLI would like to thank 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."