Water safety campaign launched in memory of tragic teenager Sam Haycock

Sam (16, above) died after getting into difficulties in Ulley Reservoir while visiting the beauty spot with friends to celebrate leaving Oakwood High School at the end of May.

The East Dene teenager’s parents want to pay for life rings to help prevent future tragedies.

And the Remembering Sam Facebook group has been renamed Remembering Sam: Sam’s Army Mission, with the mission statement: “We are now in Sam’s name campaigning and fundraising for life-saving equipment in open water in a desperate attempt to save lives.”

The group’s first fundraising event will be a sponsored walk from Ulley Country Park to the bandstand at Clifton Park– one of Sam’s favourite hangout spots – on September 11.

Organiser Jodi Ryalls said special T-shirts would be produced with the group’s logo nearer the date of the event.

Drinks will be provided but cycling is prohibited.

The long-term aim is to establish a charity to raise cash for safety equipment atopen water spots.

More information is available through the Facebook group.