Hundreds of people are expected to attend a candlelit vigil tonight in memory of Haydn Griffiths, who went missing after going swimming in the River Mersey during last month's heatwave.
Haydn, 23, was last seen in the water near Derby Pool, in New Brighton, at around 10.30pm on Tuesday, July 19. It's thought Haydn, from Lowton, was attempting to swim out to the wind turbines when he disappeared in the water and didn't resurface.
A huge search was launched by the Coastguard and lifeboat volunteers along with police and the fire service, but was called off at around 5pm on Wednesday, July 20 after 18 hours. Police found a body at the Pier Head, Liverpool, on Sunday, July 23, which was later confirmed to be Haydn by the 23-year-old's family.
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Haydn's story resonated throughout the community, with a party of more than 100 people joining in an extensive search along the coastline. And now a number of local residents have rallied to stage a vigil in Haydn's honour, which will take place in New Brighton on Monday, August 1.
The vigil will start at 6pm, with the meeting point at the Derby Pool car park. The evening will feature live music, with some of Haydn's favourite songs having been specially requested by his family, as well as speeches and poems to celebrate the 23-year-old's life.
There will also be a two-minute silence, and people are invited to wear something bright and bring along candles which will be lit in Haydn's honour. The vigil is expected to finish at around 9pm.
Donation buckets will be on hand, with the money raised going to the RNLI, who played a huge role in the search for Haydn. A GoFundMe set up in the aftermath of the swimmer's disappearance has already raised nearly £2,000, which will be distributed between charities of the family's choosing and will contribute towards a memorial bench for Haydn.
Speaking on ITV Granada last week, Haydn's sister Megan Griffiths said she was "so proud" to be his sister. She said: "Haydn was amazing, he is amazing. He was this big handsome giant, with the kindest heart and I am so proud to be his sister and I am so proud of what the community have done to help."
Haydn's death is being treated as unexplained, and a post mortem examination will take place to establish the cause.
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