HE had to flee for his life during the Tsunami and today Drew Wright is preparing for the climb of his life to help the survivors of the wave.Mr Wright from Felixstowe found himself caught up in the horrific tidal wave on Boxing Day 2004 while on a trip around the world.
By Richard Cornwell
HE had to flee for his life during the Tsunami and today Drew Wright is preparing for the climb of his life to help the survivors of the wave.
Mr Wright from Felixstowe found himself caught up in the horrific tidal wave on Boxing Day 2004 while on a trip around the world.
He had started off in Nepal, where he taught in a school and orphanage for two months, before travelling to Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Vietnam and then Ko Phi Phi Island for Christmas.
There he had arranged to meet up with two friends from England who were also travelling.
But when the wave struck he had to flee for his life, losing nearly all of his belongings including his passport and money.
Because his friends were staying in different accommodation, he spent a desperate 48 hours not knowing whether they were alive or dead.
Fortunately he later found them safe and well and after helping as much as he could with the rescue attempt, he was able to carry on with his travelling to Australia, New Zealand and Los Angeles.
.He said he and his friends will never forget the horrific scenes they witnessed during those few days after the tsunami struck.
He said: “Although we did everything and anything we could to help with the rescue attempt, we are continuously conscious of the families and individuals who still need help and support.”
To help with the ongoing need for aid, Mr Wright, who works in London, and friends Michelle Williams and Paul Stevens, will climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, for charity Action Aid to raise sponsorship for the relief effort in Thailand.
As part of the fundraising, they are holding a dinner dance at the Hotel Elizabeth Orwell, Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, on June 22.
Tickets are £30 and people can book through Mr Wright's mother Andrea Ridgeon on 01394 274929.
Were you caught up in the tsunami? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk
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