‘Whilst it is still early days, we will, of course investigate the most appropriate way to recognise his selfless bravery and that of others involved’
The “selfless bravery” of a 67-year-old grandfather, who tried to save a mother and daughter from the waves at Withernsea, is to be officially acknowledged, the Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding Mr Jim Dick OBE has said. Mark Ratcliffe tragically lost his own life in the attempted rescue.
Mark entered the water near Pier Towers, at Withernsea, on the afternoon of Friday, January 2, to help mother and daughter, Sarah Keeling, 45, and Grace Keeling, 15. A multi-agency response was launched, led by HM Coastguard, following reports of people in difficulty in the water.
Mark was later pulled unconscious from the sea and despite efforts at the scene, he sadly died. The body of Sarah was later recovered from the water; the search is continuing for Grace.
With the resort of Withernsea in mourning after the tragic events, and praise coming from far and wide for the heroic efforts of the emergency services and all involved in the incident, the Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding Mr Jim Dick OBE, has issued a statement about the tragedy.
Mr Dick said: “This is a desperately sad and tragic situation where three people have lost their lives. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the families, their friends and all those involved.
“It is also a tragedy for the whole of the community of Withernsea who are having to come to terms with the situation. I’d like to pay tribute to Mark Ratcliffe for his selfless act of bravery in trying to save others, which has sadly cost him his own life.
“Whilst it is still early days, we will, of course investigate the most appropriate way to recognise his selfless bravery and that of others involved.” The ancient office of Lord-Lieutenant has its roots in Tudor times, and it is bestowed by the King, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister; thus Mr Dick is King Charles’ personal representative in the Hull and East Yorkshire area.
Mark’s son, Nigel Ratcliffe, has set up a GoFundMe appeal, in memory of his father. The target is £12,000 and the proceeds are for the emergency services that helped Mark.
On the appeal page, Nigel said: “As a family we are hoping to raise money towards a donation saying thank you to all the brave volunteers and staff who helped support rescuing my Dad whilst braving the extreme conditions and their own lives. We have been overwhelmed with all the kind messages of love and support during this extremely tragic time.
“We would like to acknowledge and thank people for their kindness and support. It really does not go unnoticed and it does offer some solace to know others are aware of what kind of man my Dad really was.”
The appeal has already raised more than £6,500 within a day of being launched. Previously, Mark’s family paid tribute to him, calling him “a true selfless hero with a heart of gold, who was so cruelly taken trying to save others”.
The tribute continued: “So many lives are now shattered that you’re gone. You were loved by so many people, and we will all miss you forever.
“A loving husband, father, son, brother and the best grandad anybody could ever wish for. Sleep tight, we love you, we miss you.”