On 12th October 2026, our lives changed forever when we lost our much-loved son, Leo, following a drowning incident in the River Orwell, close to Stoke Bridge in Ipswich.

There are no words that can adequately describe the pain of losing a child. As a family, we are trying to come to terms with something no parent should ever have to face.

During the incident, a brave passer-by heard Leo's calls for help and, without hesitation, entered the water in a courageous attempt to reach him. Despite the poor light and the cold conditions, he did everything he could to find and help Leo. Tragically, he was unable to locate him.

We will always be grateful for the courage and selflessness shown by this individual, who put himself at risk in an attempt to save our son.

In the days since losing Leo, we have become increasingly aware of the lack of readily available lifesaving equipment along the stretch of river where the incident happened. There are currently no life buoys positioned along this section of the river path, close to Stoke Bridge and the skate park. There is an empty housing for a life buoy on the opposite side of the bridge, but no equipment in place.

We cannot know whether having lifesaving equipment immediately available would have changed the outcome that night. But we cannot help wondering whether it might have given Leo, and the person trying so desperately to reach him, a better chance.

We want to do something positive in Leo's memory and hopefully help prevent another family from experiencing the heartbreak that we are going through.

Our aim is to raise funds to engage with Ipswich Borough Council and propose the installation of one or more publicly accessible life buoys along this stretch of the River Orwell. We hope that, working together with the Council, we can make this area safer and provide vital lifesaving equipment where it may one day make the difference between life and death.

Any equipment installed through this appeal will be dedicated to Leo's memory, creating a lasting legacy in his name.

We will keep everyone who supports us updated on the progress of the fundraising and our discussions with the Council. Should we raise more than is needed for the proposed installations, any surplus funds will be donated to another worthy charitable cause, which we will identify and share with our supporters.

Every donation, however large or small, will help us work towards making a difference.

We know that nothing can bring Leo back, but if this appeal can help save even one life in the future, then something positive can come from an unimaginable loss.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for supporting us in remembering Leo.

With love,

Leo's family