Surfer faces backlash for fundraiser instead of helping rescuers

On March 31, 2023, Sam Brenchley, a surfer, encountered a life-threatening situation while surfing at Fistral Beach in Newquay, Cornwall. He was struck on the head by his surfboard, rendering him unconscious for a few minutes. Fortunately, an off-duty RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) lifeguard was present and managed to rescue him from the waves. Following his rescue, Brenchley was airlifted to a nearby hospital by the Cornwall Air Ambulance, a charity that relies solely on donations to conduct its operations. During the rescue, Brenchley's wetsuit was cut off his body by the rescuers, which prompted him to set up a GoFundMe page seeking £350 to replace it. However, this fundraiser was met with significant backlash from the public, with many believing that the funds should have been directed toward the air ambulance service or the lifeguards who saved his life rather than for personal gain. Ryan Nile, one of the lifeguards who helped Brenchley, expressed his disappointment at the fundraiser's intention, stating that it was disheartening to see a request for a wetsuit rather than a donation to the rescue services that provided lifesaving aid. The local community also echoed this sentiment, questioning the appropriateness of the appeal and suggesting that it felt like a poor joke given the context of the rescue. Recognizing the mounting criticism, Brenchley later updated his GoFundMe campaign to clarify that any funds raised would be donated to the Cornwall Air Ambulance, after he received a new wetsuit as a gift from a local surf shop. He also expressed deep gratitude towards the air ambulance team and the lifeguards for their bravery and quick response. In a statement, Brenchley noted how essential surfing was for his mental health and that he was eager to return to the water once he had fully recovered from the incident. He emphasized that he understood the importance of supporting the charitable services that had come to his aid. The Cornwall Air Ambulance, which is involved in over 1,000 rescue missions annually, requires approximately £8 million each year to continue its vital work but does not receive government funding. This discrepancy highlights the reliance on public donations for maintaining essential lifesaving services in the region, further underscoring the weight of community support in crisis situations. The incident has sparked a broader discussion about priorities when it comes to fundraising after accidents involving emergency services.