Mum hosting Water Safety event two years on from tragedy

The tragic death of teenager Holli Smallman stunned the area and beyond.

The 15-year-old had been enjoying a warm August evening on the banks of the River Severn in Welshpool but tragically failed to emerge after slipping into the water.

She was found downstream three hours later following a major emergency response, sending the town into collective mourning.

But the way her brave mother Michelle Guest handled the heart-breaking situation in the days following the incident was inspiring, and two years on she is determined to make sure no family has to go through what she, and her family, endure.

So, with the second anniversary approaching, Michelle has organised a water safety event for the town to rally behind in order to prevent accidents like this happening again.

“The aim of the evening is based on a decision I made after losing Holli from day one, that I would support water safety and knew something needed to be done,” said Michelle.

“I did a social media post last year and it got shared over 400 times so I ended up on BBC Radio Shropshire to help raise awareness.

“For me, it’s about not wanting another family to go through what we are and helping people understand the dangers of water and what to do to make sure they stay safe.”

Michelle has arranged the evening for August 6 at The Family Centre, Oldford, from 7.30pm, with refreshments available. She hopes that representatives from the police and fire service will be attending.

Sadly, this year has seen another spike of deaths around rivers and lakes due to the warm weather, and Michelle has realised that her platform can make a difference.

“I have lost myself recently under all the emotions and grief, but I am choosing now more than ever to use my own grief and Holli’s legacy to make sure no other family has to go through what we are.

“The number of losses has been unbelievable and should never have happened.”

At Holli’s inquest, Coroner Kerrie Burge said she had slipped close to a weir, and despite her friends trying to grab hold of her, she fell.

The coroner said Holli’s friends tried to find her, but she was discovered three hours later. 

The inquest was told Holli and her friends were socialising on the banks of the river, but it had shallow and deeper areas and the water moved faster near the weir.