he physique of a “much-loved” firefighter who disappeared as he tried to swim the English Channel has been discovered.
Iain Hughes, crew supervisor at Wednesbury fireplace station, West Midlands, set off from the Kent coast on the morning of June 20 accompanied by a assist boat however went lacking later that day in French waters.
The disappearance of the 42-year-old father-of-two sparked an in depth search by French and Belgian authorities which was later known as off.
On Friday, West Midlands Fire Service stated the physique of a swimmer present in waters off Belgium has been formally recognized as Mr Hughes.
In a joint assertion releases via the hearth service, Mr Hughes’ household stated they “miss him more than words can ever say”.
They stated: “Our lives were shattered when Iain went missing. He was our world. The news that his body had been found was unbearable. It still is. We miss him more than words can ever say.
“We are proud of Iain for so many reasons. He put his heart and soul into training for the swim, but that was Iain – determined to help and support others.”
Mr Hughes had been trying to boost £21,000 – £1,000 for each mile of his swim – for the British Heart Foundation, The Fire Fighters Charity and the Midlands Air Ambulance.
It is gorgeous to see how a lot cash has been raised for his three charities, but in addition heartbreaking that he won't ever know the entire
As of Friday, his fundraiser had far exceeded this goal by elevating greater than £56,000.
Mr Hughes’ household added: “It is lovely to see how much money has been raised for his three charities, but also heartbreaking that he will never know the total. Thank you to everyone who has donated and who is still raising money.
“We also want to send our thanks and love to everyone who has been there for us these past few weeks.
“The photo we are releasing sums up the Iain we loved.
“We will not be giving media interviews and ask that our privacy be respected. Thank you.”
West Midlands Fire Service chief fireplace officer Wayne Brown stated it's “devastating news” and that “Iain’s family are foremost in our thoughts at this distressing time”.
He added: “I know that many people have been affected by Iain’s disappearance.
“We, in turn, have been touched by the hundreds of kind messages we have received, and the overwhelming response to Iain’s fundraising page. Thank you.”
West Midlands Fire Service stated flags at its websites will fly at half-mast till sundown on Friday as a mark of respect to Mr Hughes.
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