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.”
Lotherton Hall’s Wildlife World has received an official mark of excellence from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquarium.
After a visit from experts earlier this year, the Wildlife World at Lotherton Hall is now officially credited by the organisation.
The achievement recognises the high quality of the zoo in animal welfare, education, conservation and research.
The accreditation also ranks the zoo as one of the best in the country.
The centre is home to a range of wildlife species including wallabies, capybaras, penguins, emus and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs.
Image: Supplied, Leeds City Council
The zoo also takes part in international breeding and conservation programmes.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the staff at Lotherton Wildlife World on the great work they undertake in making sure that the zoo holds a world class standard. This accreditation shows our high standard of animal care and the passion we have for helping support international conservation efforts.
“At both Wildlife World and Tropical World there’ll be lots going on for Love Your Zoo week, and they both make a great day out for the whole family.”
Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA congratulated Wildlife World on their achievement. She said: “Receiving accredited status is not an easy thing to do. It is testament to the passion and hard work of every member of staff.”
“Our accreditation program means visitors can be sure that BIAZA zoos and aquariums are dedicated to looking after their animals to the highest standard and to inspirational work in conservation and education. We need good zoos more than ever. We face a nature crisis and we have the power to make a big difference.”
You can find out more about Lotherton Hall's Wildlife World here.
Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci spotted in Ilkley at local coffee shop
Clementine Hall
A neighbourhood coffee shop were left starstruck as Stanley Tucci popped in for a brew.
It seems that even Hollywood A-listers love a trip to the beloved spa town of Ilkley.
Stanley Tucci, known for his iconic roles in The Devil Wears Prada, The Lovely Bones and The Hunger Games was seen in Ilkley yesterday, Tuesday 19 May.
Thirty Nine Coffee Company, a popular brunch spot on Ilkley's main street The Grove, welcomed Tucci and his crew for a coffee after he was spotted filming at a local pub just across the road.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
After this, it was said he went to go watch his own film The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Ilkley Cinema.
Posting the news to Instagram, Thirty Nine Coffee Company said: "Look who popped in for a Thirty Nine coffee - awesome to meet the amazing @stanleytucci - what an amazing chap and lovely crew - so glad you enjoyed our coffee!"
Pictures were posted of Stanley taking selfies with the staff, clad in his usual trendy get-up consisting of chunky glasses, flat cap, wax jacket and scarf.
Image: Thirty Nine Coffee Co
The owners of Thirty Nine said he loved his coffee that they served him and hey, if it's good enough for Stanley then it's good enough for us.
It's not clear what he was filming in Ilkley, but the actor is known for presenting a number of foodie documentaries so it could be something to do with this. We'll keep you posted when we know more.