Wells RNLI launch a memory- a stone, a name, and a lasting legacy
Earlier this year a small hand-painted stone was discovered in the shop at Wells RNLI lifeboat station. Decorated with a pair of yellow wellies and the words ‘Launch a Memory 13-46’, the stone was a quiet tribute and the beginning of a powerful story to be told to the station volunteers.
The name it honoured was Sam Liew. Sam was a healthy, kind, and energetic five-year-old who loved the outdoors, the beach, his dog Daisy, and superheroes. In May 2021, Sam tragically passed away after suddenly developing Febrile Infection-Related Epilepsy Syndrome (FIRES) - an exceptionally rare and devastating form of epilepsy believed to be triggered by an abnormal immune reaction to a common virus.
The seizures caused by FIRES are relentless, life-threatening, and extremely difficult to control. There is currently no cure, and sadly, one in five children do not survive the acute phase. Those who do often face significant long-term neurological disabilities.
Sam had never experienced a seizure before. Within hours of falling ill, he was placed in an induced coma. Despite seven weeks of intensive care at Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, the seizures caused irreversible brain damage, and Sam passed away on 8 May 2021.
His name now appears in the decals of Wells RNLI’s Shannon-class lifeboat, Duke of Edinburgh, as part of the RNLI’s Launch a Memory campaign a tribute to loved ones whose legacies live on through lifesaving.
Wells holds a special place in the hearts of Sam’s family. It was their last holiday together before he became unwell. During that visit, they watched the new lifeboat station being built and asked a worker what it would become. Sam’s name now forms part of the lifeboat that launches from that very site a lasting connection to a place he loved.
Rachel Liew, Sam’s mum, said: ‘In memory of Sam, we paint and hide stones around the world - we call it Love2Sam. Wells was his last ever holiday and he absolutely loved it. He thought RNLI volunteers were real superheroes, and it turns out he was one himself. Knowing his name is on the lifeboat means so much. Thank you to Wells RNLI for finding and re-hiding the stone it brings us great comfort.’
After her son’s death, Rachel founded Sam’s Superheroes Foundation - a registered charity that supports families affected by F.I.R.E.S., which funds vital research, and raises awareness of this little-understood, devastating condition. The foundation also supports children’s mental health through funding animal-assisted therapies, with Sam’s beloved black Labrador, Daisy, now working as a therapy dog. Rachel continues to support the RNLI - a cause especially close to Sam’s heart.
Wells RNLI Volunteer Press Officer Jess Curtis said: ‘We are deeply honoured to know Sam’s name is part of our lifeboat. Every single name in the decals tells a personal story with real meaning. To know the lifeboat brings comfort to his family, and that Wells holds such cherished memories for them, means so much to all of us. We are proud to launch in Sam’s memory.’
The yellow welly stone has since been gently re-hidden by Wells RNLI volunteers a quiet tribute to a brave little boy whose legacy continues to inspire courage, compassion, and hope.
RNLI Media contacts For more information, please contact Jess Curtis, RNLI and Regional Engagements North and East, Lifeboat Press Officer at Wells: Tel 07483488243 Email: [email protected] contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Notes to Editor Further information on the charity can be found at https://uk01.z.antigena.com/l/Ai2FVcDQvZPoaZEbiTpcEuNAP~ndNPC1uDiWaXHt61NmXxu8c24mtEtTVaAapMsjjn2ZK~O0fcrlblbegkHbaw5vpkHCujZdcakIGifVsuO66rkqNErbWDCVWUuDonaeCSUZ~9ZwEshvsU3uHfd0TRT-Sxg0-8IXD0ZuoJChqjPHeqSqq92WxXQE .
Sam’s Superheroes have just co funded a £110,000 FIRES research project in Sam’s memory.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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