A 12-year-old boy from West Yorkshire has died after a tragic accident in a swimming pool in Vietnam.
Young Otis Walder-Robb, from Holmfirth, died on Friday 7 July, with tributes pouring in.
It’s been reported that other children pulled him from the pool and attempts to revive him were made - but Otis died a short while later in hospital.
He had been in Vietnam volunteering at a summer camp teaching children, along with his father Stephen Walder and stepmother Liz Robb, plus his younger sister, Betty.
Tragically, Otis’s biological mother Cathy died from breast cancer at the age of just 33. Stephen’s biological son Reuben also died at just 10 years old, and now he has lost his youngest son in Otis too.
A Crowdfunder has now been set up to pay for Otis’s body to be returned to Thailand, where he lived, and to cover his funeral costs.
Otis Walder Robb, a boy from Yorkshire who died in Vietnam. Credit: Go Fund Me
Tributes have been paid as donations flood in, with £14,000 raised at the time of writing.
One person wrote: “Heartbroken - so incredibly tragic to have lost such a vibrant young man. No words can come close to what hardship you have all gone through. You're so much in our thoughts and here when and if you want us. So immensely sad. All our love to all of you.”
Another donor wrote: “With all our love and support and in rememberance of a truly unique soul.”
The donation page states: “Otis Walder-Robb was 12 years old when he took his last breath at 7.57pm on 7-7-2023. We regret to share that his passing was of sudden consequence from a tragic accident.
“There is grief and deep sorrow amidst the family's hearts, & a growing community is in mourning.
“We wish to use all funding towards the funeral expenses and memorial of Otis, and to cover all travel & health care costs in returning him, his sister Betty, and his parents Steven & Liz, to home soil, so the family and their community can celebrate & hold ceremony for his life.”
Today, Leeds city centre earned itself a coveted spot in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
What brilliant news to end the week on, hey?
Leeds city centre was amongst eight other locations across the north and the north east to be featured on the list.
The market town of Skipton took home the dazzling first prize, but it's still nice to be included isn't it.
Here's what the judges had to say about Leeds city centre: “Leeds has five universities, the fourth largest urban economy in the UK (with job opportunities in finance, insurance and big business), a youthful vibe and a relatively affordable average house price (£285,100).
Image: Unsplash
“Stay close to the centre, where you won’t have to worry about the patchy public transport, and it all adds up to a fun-filled, fulfilled life within walking distance of stylish shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. There’s a good choice of riverside homes, where you may spot kingfishers and otters, and even the schools are good.”
In total, 72 places across the UK were selected by The Sunday Times to showcase the very best of Britain, with Norwich named the overall national winner.
The full list of locations in the north and northeast include:
Skipton
Howardian Hills, North Yorkshire
Leeds city centre
Morpeth, Northumberland
Newcastle: Gosforth
Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire
Slaithwaite, West Yorkshire
York
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a great opportunity to highlight the best places in Britain.
“It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most importantly a sense of community.
“Our expert team of judges visit every location on the list and talk to the locals to find out what they love about the place they live."
The best rooftop bars in and around Leeds to enjoy a tipple in the sunshine
Clementine Hall
The sun has got his hat on and there's no better place to soak it up than on a rooftop.
We've already been blessed with some beautiful weather this summer (touch wood), and here in Leeds there's plenty of sun-soaked spots to enjoy it.
To help you make the most out of the sun, we've taken it upon ourselves to do some in-depth research on the very best rooftop bars in Leeds to enjoy a drink or two.
You know, because someone's got to do it.
Whether you want to dress up and treat yourself to a swanky cocktail, jam out to a DJ whilst enjoying a craft beer or catch up with friends over some good food washed down by a refreshing beverage, there is a rooftop for you.
Let's get into it then shall we?
Green Room
36 Wellington St, Leeds LS1 2DE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This one definitely won't come as a surprise, having made a name for itself as one of the city's best nights out Green Room leads the way as the best rooftop in town.
Expect banging drinks, a buzzing atmosphere and New York style pizza - need we say more?
Headrow House
Bramleys Yard, 19 The Headrow
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Possibly the biggest rooftop in Leeds and set over two floors, this terrace promises a fantastic night out where you’ll be boogying on until the sun goes down. The first floor offers long picnic style tables, colourful parasols and overhead heaters to counteract the evening chill. The second floor has more benches amidst charming little covered huts, ideal for larger groups as they can be reserved in advance.
A huge neon sign is propped up amongst the skyline which comes alive when the sun goes down, setting the scene with a reddish tint as the DJ provides groovy tunes to take you into the early hours.
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
1-1a Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you like craft beer and good music, this is the rooftop for you. Belgrave’s iconic rooftop is always jam packed in the Summer and it is no surprise why; the vibes are always immaculate and the drinks are ace. Kirkstall Brewery and Five Points Ale are just a taster of what’s on the pumps and there’s also a great cocktail menu which are well priced and mega tasty.
If you get peckish you can order some ‘session loaded fries’ from Patty Smith’s burgers or a huge sharing pizza from Dough Boys. Both vendors are just downstairs and are a good enough reason to make a trip to Belgrave alone. Live DJs play all day and there’s an authentic friendly atmosphere meaning you’ll all be bopping heads and soak in the views together.
Azotea
2 Sovereign St, LS1 4DA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you want to feel like you're on the set of Love Island then get yourself to Azotea and gather round the fire pit.
This Mexican-inspired rooftop is the perfect spot if you're feeling a little bit fancy and want to dress up with the girls and treat yourself to a couple of cocktails.
IF Rooftop
10 - 12 Park Cross Street, LS1 2BH
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This one's a little bit hidden, but if you can find the secret door and enter the code to the secret paradise then it's most definitely worth it.
Think incredible panoramic views of the city, banging cocktails and groovy DJs to get you grooving as the sun goes down.
Roland's
39 Call Lane, LS1 7BT
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Just when you thought Roland's on Call Lane couldn't get any better, head upstairs to their glorious sun terrace and be prepared to be proven wrong.
This small but mighty sun trap is a great spot to enjoy the best cocktails in town, and you can even watch the trains go by as you sip.
The Woods
5, Stainbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton, LS7 3PG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Located in the heart of Chapel Allerton, this roof top is a firm favourite and it's easy to see why.
Great drinks, plenty of space and banging food by The Kerbside Kids. We can't think of a better way to spend a Friday night to be honest.
Headingley Heights
8 Otley Rd, Headingley, LS6 2AD
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're over in Headingley, then this is the spot for you. Upstairs at BOX you'll find this huge sprawling rooftop equipped with its own bar with exclusive cocktails, two huge HD screens showing all the sports and all the usual food and drink locals have come to know and love from BOX.
Daisy Jackson -
13th July 2023 
