A surfer who was revived by an RNLI lifeguard after being dragged unconscious from the waves has faced criticism following his launch of a fundraising campaign for a new wetsuit instead of supporting those who rescued him.
Sam Brenchley, who received a hit to the head from his surfboard at Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall, started a GoFundMe campaign to gather £350 when his wetsuit was inadvertently sliced off him during the rescue.
In reaction, Ryan Nile — one of the trio who rescued the surfer — commented on the fundraising page saying, "It’s quite discouraging to witness this. Contributing to the air ambulance would be far more appropriate than buying a new wetsuit!"
Someone else remarked: "I was anticipating this would raise funds for the air ambulance, rather than soliciting donations from unknown individuals to purchase a new wetsuit for yourself."
One-third commented: "It’s truly astonishing how individuals are donating funds to someone so selfish, always thinking about themselves with all their ‘me me me.’ Can you believe the price of the air ambulance? I reckon they could use a dose of realism."
In his posting, Mr Brenchley described needing assistance to get "back into the water" following attempts to rescue him when his wetsuit was damaged.
"On Monday, I got hit on the head with a surfboard, and the force of it made me lose consciousness," he stated.
I lost consciousness in the water for several minutes before an off-duty lifeguard noticed me and pulled me ashore, reviving me in the process. The air ambulance performed admirably by transporting me efficiently to the hospital, where I received excellent care. However, due to safety concerns, my wetsuit had to be cut off at the beach, so now I no longer have it.
He said, "Can you assist me in getting back into the water?"
After facing criticism, the surfer posted an update saying: "I am immensely grateful to the air ambulance for their outstanding work and to the individuals on the beach who discovered me and rescued my life—expressing how deeply thankful I feel would be quite the understatement."
He commented: "For me, surfing plays a crucial role in maintaining my mental well-being, and this wetsuit enables me to head out every day and engage in the activity I adore. Once I've recuperated, I look forward to returning to that state where I can enjoy what brings me joy. Thank you once more for your assistance."
A representative from Cornwall Air Ambulance stated: "On March 31, Cornwall Air Ambulance was called to an event at Fistral Beach in Newquay. The patient was then transferred to the Royal Cornwall Hospital for further treatment."
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