Latest news with #Elsie'sStory
Wales Online
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Campervan rescued from gets stuck on popular beach a second time
Campervan rescued from gets stuck on popular beach a second time The campervan was involved in two incidents that day as the tide threaten to sweep the vehicle away Campervan submerged by the sea at Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands) (Image: Kevin Gibson ) In a race against time, fundraising jet skiers tried to rescue a campervan stuck in the sands of the renowned Gwynedd beach, Black Rock Sands, near Porthmadog. The ordeal unfolded last Friday as the tide approached threatening to sweep the van away. Images and footage have made the rounds online, depicting the distressing moment the motorhome succumbed to the advancing sea. There were rumours on social media suggesting that passers by didn't attempt to save the vehicle. However, eyewitness accounts tell a story of a significant rescue effort by jet skiers at the beach for an event organised by Colwyn PWC Riders, which successfully gathered more than £25,000 for charitable causes. Jet skiers tried to recover stranded camper van on Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands) Earlier that day, the campervan had already been in a similar incident. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Thanks to the aid of vehicles belonging to those participating in the jetski event the van was removed the first time. Misfortune struck again later when the vehicle became stuck once more. Article continues below This time, a concerted effort ensued as roughly six jet skiers endeavoured to assist the beleaguered owners. They deployed a pickup truck and a 4x4 Land Rover Defender in a bid to tug the van to safety, reports North Wales Live. A participant in the operation recounted: "We tried to move the camper a second time but it wouldn't move, the wheels didn't spin, they were stuck. "We then tried a third time to retrieve the camper - attempting to drag it out with two vehicles but this time it was totally stuck. We were in danger of digging into the sand ourselves. Someone then called for the tractor, and the rest is history." Phil Butler, an admin on Abersoch Appreciation Page, has come forward to clear the air. He commented: "A few people who weren't even there, are saying, why did no one attempt to help, but some people certainly did." He went on to say: "Even using two towing vehicles the camper would not move, so eventually it had to be left exactly where it was stuck. The incoming tide won the battle." The Colwyn PWC Riders hosted this event over the weekend, attracting upwards of 100 riders from North Wales and beyond. An impressive £25,163.97 was collected. Article continues below The proceeds will benefit a selection of noble causes, such as the RNLI and Mountain Rescue – both essential services for saving lives at sea and on the mountains, respectively – along with Macca's Project and Elsie's Story, two impactful community-focused projects.
Wales Online
15 hours ago
- General
- Wales Online
Desperate attempts were made to save campervan swamped by sea at Gwynedd beach
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Desperate attempts were made by fundraising jet skiers to save a campervan stuck in the sand at a famous Gwynedd beach before it was swamped by the sea. The incident happened at Traeth y Greigddu (Black Rock Sands), near Porthmadog, on Friday. Pictures and videos have circulated of the motorhome being swallowed by the sea as the tide came in. On social media it had been claimed that efforts were not made by others to save the vehicle. But witnesses have said that a major bid was undertaken to get the van to safety. This was done by jet skiers who were on the beach as part of an event organised by Colwyn PWC Riders that raised more than £25,000 for good causes. The motorhome incident was reportedly the second time it had got stuck that day. On the first occasion the camper was towed out of the sand with help from vehicles owned by the jet ski riders. But later in the day the motorhome again found itself trapped in the sand. Once again people rallied around to help the stranded vehicle - with a witness saying there were around six jet skiers trying to help the owners. They tried to tow the van to safety with a pick-up truck along with a 4x4 Land Rover Defender. One of those helping said: "We tried to move the camper a second time but it wouldn't move, the wheels didn't spin, they were stuck. "We then tried a third time to retrieve the camper - attempting to drag it out with two vehicles but this time it was totally stuck. We were in danger of digging into the sand ourselves. Someone then called for the tractor, and the rest is history." Phil Butler, an admin on Abersoch Appreciation Page, said he wanted to set the record straight. He said: "A few people who weren't even there, are saying, why did no one attempt to help, but some people certainly did." He added: "Even using two towing vehicles the camper would not move, so eventually it had to be left exactly where it was stuck. The incoming tide won the battle." (Image: Kevin Gibson) Colwyn PWC Riders organised the event over the weekend which was attended by more than 100 riders from North Wales and further afield. A total of £25,163.97 was raised. Funds raised will go to several worthy causes, including the RNLI and Mountain Rescue – both vital organisations dedicated to saving lives at sea and on land – as well as Macca's Project and Elsie's Story, two deeply meaningful community-led initiatives. . Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone
Rhyl Journal
18-05-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
Mother of Southport victim praises ‘inspiring' blood donors
Almost 100 people donated blood at the session at St John Stone Church in Southport on Saturday. Seven-year-old Elsie was one of three girls murdered in the Southport mass stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last summer. Her parents, Jenni and Dave Stancombe, worked with NHS Blood and Transplant to organise the blood donation event through Elsie's Story, the charity they founded in her memory. Among the NHS Blood and Transplant staff supporting the session were two members of the transport team based at the Liverpool blood centre who responded to the Southport attack. Ms Stancombe said she wanted Elsie's Story to 'create a legacy of love and hope' in her daughter's name. She added: 'Although the outcome for Elsie was tragically different, we know that blood transfusions were crucial for many of those injured that day. 'NHS Blood and Transplant made 10 emergency deliveries of blood to hospitals treating the casualties and that quick response meant the lifesaving blood was available for everyone who needed it. 'For some people here today, giving blood is their way of repaying those whose donations were so vital that day.' Ms Stancombe added: 'We want Southport to be renowned for the warmth and generosity of its amazing community, not for the events of that day. 'Today has been a wonderful example of that. 'The atmosphere was so uplifting and inspiring and we are grateful to all the donors and staff for their support.' Stephen Kuypers and Dave Oxton were among a team of drivers on shift the day of the Southport attacks who made 10 emergency blue-light deliveries of blood supplies in three hours to four hospitals, including Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Blue lights are only used when a hospital requests blood products they urgently need for a specific patient or incident, NHS Blood and Transplant said. If a patient's blood type is unknown, they can safely be given O negative blood, which makes it vital in emergencies. Mr Kuypers said: 'On that dreadful day last July, I took the phone call from our hospital services team informing us of a major incident and instructing us to prepare for emergency deliveries. 'At the height of the response we were making three blue light deliveries an hour, which is extremely rare. I delivered two urgent orders to Alder Hey and Aintree hospitals. 'Hospital colleagues later told us that the quick response of the Liverpool transport team helped ensure that the patients received the best possible care. 'The was a very rewarding message to receive and it meant a lot to the team who all pulled together and put in extra hours that day to ensure all the deliveries were covered.' NHS Blood and Transplant chief executive Dr Jo Farrar said: 'It is wonderful to see how many people have been inspired by Elsie's Story to give blood, and we are thankful to Elsie's brave parents Jenni and Dave for their incredible support. 'Because each donation can help up to three adults or six children, 300 lives or more will be saved and improved in Elsie's memory. 'A constant supply of blood is needed every day to help patients receiving treatment for conditions like cancer, sickle cell or giving birth as well as being prepared for unexpected emergencies and incidents, just like that dreadful day last July.' NHS Blood and Transplant said it was appealing to blood and platelet donors across England to help fill tens of thousands of appointments at town and city donor centres over the coming days and weeks. There are concerns that four bank holidays falling in six weeks could 'push blood supplies to critical levels' as donations often drop over bank holiday weekends. The NHS is appealing for more O negative donations in particular, the blood type needed in emergencies. NHS Blood and Transplant issued an amber alert in July 2024, which remains in place in England, due to a severe shortage of O negative blood triggered by the cyber-attack on London hospitals last year. The attack meant major London hospitals could not cross match blood so the hospitals could only use O negative.
Glasgow Times
18-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Mother of Southport victim praises ‘inspiring' blood donors
Almost 100 people donated blood at the session at St John Stone Church in Southport on Saturday. Seven-year-old Elsie was one of three girls murdered in the Southport mass stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last summer. Her parents, Jenni and Dave Stancombe, worked with NHS Blood and Transplant to organise the blood donation event through Elsie's Story, the charity they founded in her memory. Among the NHS Blood and Transplant staff supporting the session were two members of the transport team based at the Liverpool blood centre who responded to the Southport attack. Ms Stancombe said she wanted Elsie's Story to 'create a legacy of love and hope' in her daughter's name. She added: 'Although the outcome for Elsie was tragically different, we know that blood transfusions were crucial for many of those injured that day. 'NHS Blood and Transplant made 10 emergency deliveries of blood to hospitals treating the casualties and that quick response meant the lifesaving blood was available for everyone who needed it. 'For some people here today, giving blood is their way of repaying those whose donations were so vital that day.' Ms Stancombe added: 'We want Southport to be renowned for the warmth and generosity of its amazing community, not for the events of that day. 'Today has been a wonderful example of that. 'The atmosphere was so uplifting and inspiring and we are grateful to all the donors and staff for their support.' Stephen Kuypers and Dave Oxton were among a team of drivers on shift the day of the Southport attacks who made 10 emergency blue-light deliveries of blood supplies in three hours to four hospitals, including Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Blue lights are only used when a hospital requests blood products they urgently need for a specific patient or incident, NHS Blood and Transplant said. If a patient's blood type is unknown, they can safely be given O negative blood, which makes it vital in emergencies. Mr Kuypers said: 'On that dreadful day last July, I took the phone call from our hospital services team informing us of a major incident and instructing us to prepare for emergency deliveries. 'At the height of the response we were making three blue light deliveries an hour, which is extremely rare. I delivered two urgent orders to Alder Hey and Aintree hospitals. 'Hospital colleagues later told us that the quick response of the Liverpool transport team helped ensure that the patients received the best possible care. 'The was a very rewarding message to receive and it meant a lot to the team who all pulled together and put in extra hours that day to ensure all the deliveries were covered.' The blood donation session in Southport (NHS Blood and Transplant/PA) NHS Blood and Transplant chief executive Dr Jo Farrar said: 'It is wonderful to see how many people have been inspired by Elsie's Story to give blood, and we are thankful to Elsie's brave parents Jenni and Dave for their incredible support. 'Because each donation can help up to three adults or six children, 300 lives or more will be saved and improved in Elsie's memory. 'A constant supply of blood is needed every day to help patients receiving treatment for conditions like cancer, sickle cell or giving birth as well as being prepared for unexpected emergencies and incidents, just like that dreadful day last July.' NHS Blood and Transplant said it was appealing to blood and platelet donors across England to help fill tens of thousands of appointments at town and city donor centres over the coming days and weeks. There are concerns that four bank holidays falling in six weeks could 'push blood supplies to critical levels' as donations often drop over bank holiday weekends. The NHS is appealing for more O negative donations in particular, the blood type needed in emergencies. NHS Blood and Transplant issued an amber alert in July 2024, which remains in place in England, due to a severe shortage of O negative blood triggered by the cyber-attack on London hospitals last year. The attack meant major London hospitals could not cross match blood so the hospitals could only use O negative.
South Wales Argus
18-05-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Mother of Southport victim praises ‘inspiring' blood donors
Almost 100 people donated blood at the session at St John Stone Church in Southport on Saturday. Seven-year-old Elsie was one of three girls murdered in the Southport mass stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last summer. Her parents, Jenni and Dave Stancombe, worked with NHS Blood and Transplant to organise the blood donation event through Elsie's Story, the charity they founded in her memory. Among the NHS Blood and Transplant staff supporting the session were two members of the transport team based at the Liverpool blood centre who responded to the Southport attack. Ms Stancombe said she wanted Elsie's Story to 'create a legacy of love and hope' in her daughter's name. She added: 'Although the outcome for Elsie was tragically different, we know that blood transfusions were crucial for many of those injured that day. 'NHS Blood and Transplant made 10 emergency deliveries of blood to hospitals treating the casualties and that quick response meant the lifesaving blood was available for everyone who needed it. 'For some people here today, giving blood is their way of repaying those whose donations were so vital that day.' Ms Stancombe added: 'We want Southport to be renowned for the warmth and generosity of its amazing community, not for the events of that day. 'Today has been a wonderful example of that. 'The atmosphere was so uplifting and inspiring and we are grateful to all the donors and staff for their support.' Stephen Kuypers and Dave Oxton were among a team of drivers on shift the day of the Southport attacks who made 10 emergency blue-light deliveries of blood supplies in three hours to four hospitals, including Alder Hey Children's Hospital. Blue lights are only used when a hospital requests blood products they urgently need for a specific patient or incident, NHS Blood and Transplant said. If a patient's blood type is unknown, they can safely be given O negative blood, which makes it vital in emergencies. Mr Kuypers said: 'On that dreadful day last July, I took the phone call from our hospital services team informing us of a major incident and instructing us to prepare for emergency deliveries. 'At the height of the response we were making three blue light deliveries an hour, which is extremely rare. I delivered two urgent orders to Alder Hey and Aintree hospitals. 'Hospital colleagues later told us that the quick response of the Liverpool transport team helped ensure that the patients received the best possible care. 'The was a very rewarding message to receive and it meant a lot to the team who all pulled together and put in extra hours that day to ensure all the deliveries were covered.' The blood donation session in Southport (NHS Blood and Transplant/PA) NHS Blood and Transplant chief executive Dr Jo Farrar said: 'It is wonderful to see how many people have been inspired by Elsie's Story to give blood, and we are thankful to Elsie's brave parents Jenni and Dave for their incredible support. 'Because each donation can help up to three adults or six children, 300 lives or more will be saved and improved in Elsie's memory. 'A constant supply of blood is needed every day to help patients receiving treatment for conditions like cancer, sickle cell or giving birth as well as being prepared for unexpected emergencies and incidents, just like that dreadful day last July.' NHS Blood and Transplant said it was appealing to blood and platelet donors across England to help fill tens of thousands of appointments at town and city donor centres over the coming days and weeks. There are concerns that four bank holidays falling in six weeks could 'push blood supplies to critical levels' as donations often drop over bank holiday weekends. The NHS is appealing for more O negative donations in particular, the blood type needed in emergencies. NHS Blood and Transplant issued an amber alert in July 2024, which remains in place in England, due to a severe shortage of O negative blood triggered by the cyber-attack on London hospitals last year. The attack meant major London hospitals could not cross match blood so the hospitals could only use O negative.
