Author: Lesley Webb

TOGETHER FOR WEST SOMERSET APPEAL

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Somerset Community Foundation

The Together for West Somerset Appeal has been created to help the children, families and communities affected by the coach crash in Exmoor on 17 July 2025. The Appeal is for individuals, businesses, charitable trusts or statutory partners who would like to donate to support those affected.

The tragic incident is devastating for the tight-knit communities of Minehead and Exmoor and all of us here in Somerset.

We know many people in Somerset, and far beyond, will be moved to do what they can to help. Together, we’ll provide both immediate and long-term support to those affected.

The Appeal will be set up and distributed with guidance from a range of partners including Somerset Council, Somerset NHS, local schools, National Emergencies Trust, Fundraising Regulator and The Charity Commission.

Funds will be used to support:

  • Individuals experiencing psychological distress, hardship, injury as a result of the events of 17 July.
  • Children and staff from Minehead Middle School who are affected by the events of 17 July
  • Individuals in the wider community affected by the events on 17 July.

The Appeal will also provide funding for community organisations working in Minehead and the surrounding areas to provide support to those affected, such as help with emotional wellbeing, hardship or coordinating the community response.

We have significant experience in running emergency appeals.

We’ve run significant local appeals for flood relief, the Coronavirus pandemic and Cost-of-Living Crisis. This expertise, combined with over 20 years experience of making grants to local community organisations and individuals, means you can trust that your donation will be spent with great care and reach those who need it most.

To donate go to :Donate Here

Police Update 3pm Friday.

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment
Two children taken to Bristol Royal Hospital for Children by air ambulance following a collision on Exmoor remain in hospital.

Tragically, a 10-year-old boy died in the collision. Formal identification processes have not yet been completed, but a specially trained officer is supporting their next of kin.

Four children and three adults remain in hospital in Somerset.

Emergency services were called to the single-vehicle collision on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe, at 3pm on Thursday 17 July.

Up to 70 people – children and adults travelling to Minehead Middle School – were understood to have been on the coach.

Teams from Avon and Somerset Police, Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service were all involved at the scene, supported by the National Police Air Service helicopter, as well as Devon Air Ambulance, and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said: “On behalf of the emergency services I would like to thank the 24 volunteers from Exmoor Search and Rescue who carried out first aid triage at the rest centre and have rope and search skills.

“I also pass on thanks to the staff of the Rest and Be Thankful pub at Wheddon Cross, which opened its doors as the rest centre.

“Of course, we also recognise the efforts of Minehead Middle School, for keeping parents and carers informed and providing support to the school community during what is a difficult and distressing time for them all.”

The vehicle left the road, overturned and came to rest about 20 feet (six metres) from the roadway, down a steep slope.

Recovery of the vehicle and collision investigation are complex, and we expect the road to remain closed for a considerable time.

A thorough and detailed examination of the scene is required, and the location of the vehicle makes both the investigation and the vehicle recovery more challenging.

C/Supt Edgington added: “We continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision or has any dashcam footage which could be relevant to contact us. Please call 101 and give the reference 5225201782.

“Please avoid speculating about the circumstances on social media, to prevent additional distress for the children, their families, the school community, staff and the driver, who are all deeply affected by what’s happened.

“Our thoughts go out to all those involved, their families, friends and colleagues.”