Special charity day to remember hero
A SPECIAL event is being planned to remember the life of heroic Coventry teenager Callum Baker-osborne.
The 18-year-old lost his life in July 2021 just off the Dorset coast as he helped family members in trouble in the water.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) carried out a huge search operation after Callum attempted to help family members who had been swept out by the tide. Callum managed to save his mum, sister, nieces and nephews before getting into difficulty himself at Rockley Point, Poole.
The RNLI team, who are made up of 95% volunteers, spent four days searching the area for Callum. His body was later recovered.
In a statement on a Crowdfunder for the upcoming event, his cousin Kellie Barrett said: “Callum passed away after jumping into the sea to save multiple family members who had been swept out in a riptide.
“Callum got into difficulty after bravely getting his mum, sister, nieces and nephews on a lifeboat to safety at Rockley Point in Poole. The RNLI responded quickly to the distress and proceeded to save my family members, providing them protection and medical attention. Unfortunately, Callum did not make it onto the boat that day and died a HERO after getting his family to safety.
“The RNLI spent four days searching the coastline and surrounding area looking for Callum. They provided incredible support and understanding to the family. Its important to understand that these people are made up of 95% of volunteers who devote their time and selflessness to saving lives.”
After his death, his mother Ann Marie Osborne told the Daily Echo: “He put everyone before himself on the daily, he just took pleasure out of helping people. Callum was the kind of boy who didn’t hesitate to help anybody.”
Now Callum’s family are raising money to donate to the RNLI as a thank you and to help them continue all the work they do. On July 16, 2022, there will be an all-day event at Pinley RFC, Wyken.
Justin, who plays for Coventry City Supporters FC and is helping set up the event, said: “This is all about keeping Callum’s memory alive. I promised his brother we would do something.
“His mum is so grateful she just wants everyone to remember Callum. She makes all the choices about what she wants and then we do the work.
“We’ve said ‘we don’t want you to do anything on the day’ - we just want her to enjoy herself and relax.”
There will be an 11-a-side football match and nine-aside tournament with a special appearance from Sky Blue Sam. In addition, there will be bouncy castles, hot and cold food, a raffle, tombola and more.
Justin says the club try to do something every year for charity and this year they have decided to help remember Callum.
Prizes for the tombola include two seats in a box at the CBS Arena for a game of your choice during the new season. This was donated by AA Construction Support Solutions.
The event costs £1 to enter and starts at 10am.