Callum Baker-Osborne: Fundraising event in memory of teenager

Callum Baker-Osborne was described as "heroic" by a coroner

A fundraising event has taken place in memory of a Coventry teenager who died saving children from the sea.

Callum Baker-Osborne died in Poole, Dorset, in July 2021 when he went to the aid of his young nieces and nephews who got pulled out to sea by a riptide.

The 18-year-old was last seen trying to hold a seven-year-old girl's head above water. A coroner described him as "heroic" at an inquest into his death.

The day included a charity football tournament to support the RNLI.

The fundraising event was held in Coventry

Callum's twin brother Ryan said the family had been inspired to support the rescue service after visiting the team that searched for him.

"They explained how much it affected them as people," he said.

Mr Baker-Osborne said as well as the football tournament there would be stalls and activities for children.

His aunt completed a 30-mile (48km) run from Leicester to Coventry and he said people had been generous in their support of the appeal, including those at RFC Coventry rugby club which has supported the event.

Proceeds from the day will be given to the RNLI

A similar day in 2022 raised £4,700 for the RNLI.

Paul Hoskins, chair of the Coventry branch of the RNLI, said: "It was such a terrible accident and Callum was taken away.

"What [Callum's family] were really grateful for was the RNLI didn't give up on finding him and it took them three days to find him, and of course that gave some closure to the family and helped them deal with the incident."

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