Mum’s salute to coastguards who battled to save her son
FUNDRAISER AFTER 22-YEAR-OLD DROWNED AFTER MOVING AWAY FOR FRESH START
A MUM whose son was washed out to sea is holding a fundraiser for those who tried to save him.
Sam Ord paid an emotional tribute to her ‘hero’ son Ross Parker, revealing how he had sacrificed his own life to save hers.
The pair, from Leigh, had been walking on the beach in Dorset, where City fan Ross had moved to just weeks earlier, hoping for a fresh start.
It was last November, as Sam was visited for a short break, when tragedy struck as they crossed a small channel.
A wave hit the back of Sam’s legs, causing her to fall over in the water. And it was only because of the selfless actions of 24-year-old Ross, Sam’s only child, that she survived.
He knelt on her chest and held her down to stop her being washed into the sea, but when a big wave came and scooped them up, it sent Sam in the direction of the beach and Ross tragically out to sea.
Now Sam wants to raise money for the West Bay Coastguard Rescue Team who tried to save Ross.
Despite their huge search operation, his body was found the following morning at nearby Hive beach.
Sam’s Crazy Bingo fundraiser is taking place at Leigh East Rugby Club at 7pm on Friday, February 21.
There’ll be live music, raffles and an auction – for which donations are welcome – and everyone is welcome to attend.
Sam, who works on the personal injury team at Stephensons Solicitors in Wigan, said: “The fundraiser means a lot to me, not only as it is being done in Ross’ name, but the men and women who assisted me and searched for Ross give their time voluntarily and though they didn’t manage to help Ross there are countless others that they do help. I can’t thank them enough.”
And she spoke of how she’s coping since losing Ross, whose dad Alex had died when he was just 10 and who had told her he’d ‘found his happy place’ in Dorset, working as a barman at a boutique hotel and meeting his girlfriend Kiah.
“I’m doing okay, I still have my wobbles but have gone back to work on a phased return,” said Sam, whose son had left his job at Tattu in Spinningfields before moving away.
“It’s hard going to places where I used to go with Ross in Manchester and to the City games, but his friends are amazing and supporting me, as are my family and friends. Christmas was very difficult and I’m guessing April will be too, as both our birthdays are in that month. I do feel his presence around me and when I’m down I can hear him telling me to get a grip.”
Hundreds of people turned out to Ross’ funeral, which was held at Howe Bridge Crematorium, followed by an ‘after-party’ at Leigh East ARLFC.
● To make a donation email sophieneedhamwork@gmail.com or samanthaord.email@yahoo.com.