The family of a Redditch teenager who tragically drowned in March this year have been recognised for the support they have since given to the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), the drowning prevention charity.

Richard Fellows, known as Porky, lost his life in a pool that forms part of the River Arrow after getting into difficulties while swimming with friends. He was just 15-years-old.

And since the tragedy, his family have worked with the RLSS UK to raise awareness of the dangers of open water and fundraised for the charity. They handed over a cheque for £1,000 as they received Friends of the Society accolades at the charity’s headquarters today (Thursday).

Fellows Family

RLSS UK’s CEO, Di Steer, said: “We have come to know this special family who has not only helped us to spread vital water safety messages but fundraised for the charity since they lost Porky.

“We met them through the most tragic of circumstances but wanted to recognise how they have used their most unimaginable of experiences to help us in our work, They have helped us to raise awareness and educate to reduce the number of people that lose their lives to drowning each year.

“We cannot express how grateful we are and as a small gesture to show our thanks, we were pleased to present each of them with a Friends of the Society award.”

On receiving the donation, Di added: “To not only help us raise awareness but hold a number of events to raise a fantastic £1,000 to help us in our work is amazing. We can’t thank the Fellows family enough.”

Porky’s sister Chantalle Aston and her husband Paul, and Porky’s dad Richard, all visited the Broom Hall headquarters.

Chantalle said: “Until you personally go through a situation like this, you don’t realise the work charities actually do.

“The Royal Life Saving Society UK has helped us to realise that drowning is a national occurrence and I am proud to support them and will continue to work with them and get the water safety message out there.

“Porky was a much-loved member of my family and is deeply missed. I am proud to be working with RLSS UK in his memory.”