The mother of a teenage drama student who drowned after after jumping into a "freezing" reservoir on a hot summer's day has vowed to make sure his death won't be in vain.

Leeanne Bartley from Ruthin has already fought for 20 emergency water rescue throw lines to be installed since losing her 18-year-old son, Mark Allen in June 2018.

The tragedy has spurred her to raise awareness of water safety after Mark jumped from a platform into Debdale Reservoir in Gorton, Greater Manchester to cool down on one of the hottest days of the year.

But he immediately got into difficulty due to the incredibly cold water despite efforts from friends to save him.

His body was later recovered by police search and rescue teams.

Trying to channel her grief into something positive, Leeanne is now hoping to launch a not-for-profit organisation in Mark's memory in a bid to get water safety included in the national curriculum to teach youngsters about the risks.

Leeanne said: "After Mark died, I felt like I couldn't just sit back and do nothing.

"I wanted to turn our tragedy into something good to help others and make sure Mark's death isn't in vain.

"I contacted United Utilities to ask if there was anything that could be done to prevent other families going through what we've been through, and ended up taking part in a pilot throw line campaign which saw 20 throw lines installed in different locations, including where Mark died.

"Next year, we are hoping to launch a not-for-profit organisation in his memory to spread the water safety message as far as we can."

In the wake of Mark's death, Leeanne turned to the internet looking for support to cope with her loss.

It was then that she came across the story of a little boy called Enis from London, who was left brain damaged after a non fatal drowning accident at a family pool in Turkey when he was 19 months old.

Leeanne said: "Shortly after Mark's death I was searching for drowning support groups on Facebook and came across Enis the Wonderchild.

"I've been following his journey and supporting him and his mum ever since and now I want to hold a fundraising event to help pay for him to have stem cell treatment.

"It would be fantastic if the local community could support us."

Leeanne, who is married to David and is also mum to Lauren, 25, Kelly, 24, Sophie-Lee, 12, Caitlin-Rose, 10, and Megan-Jessica, 8, paid tribute to her only son.

She said: "Mark was a really random and unconventional person.

"He was very loving, positive and would go out of his way to help anyone.

"He had ambitions of becoming a professional actor and even appeared as an extra in the BBC One series, Wanderlust.

"We've recently been sent DVDs of his TV appearances and have also received his double grade distinction certificate in acting which we will treasure."

* The fundraising event for Enis, which includes a raffle and live music from local band, VU, will be held at Ruthin Rugby Club on November 30 at 7pm.

To buy tickets, click here.

Or to make a donation, click here.

Original post:
How Ruthin mum's family tragedy became her driving force to save lives - Daily Post