A feeling of shock and numbness continues to pervade the area following the tragic accident near Braithwaite on the A66 on Monday 24th May. As you will know, a number of Keswick School children were involved, some seriously injured and two were tragically killed - Kieran Goulding (15) and Chloe Walker (16) both from West Cumbria and Patrick Short from here in Braithwaite. Patrick was of course well known to many in the village and to many beyond through the different connections he had with individuals, choirs and other organisations. As a member of our congregation he had previously been Church  Warden. We extend our love and support to all involved and especially to those bereaved. Tributes continue to be paid to those who died and those who are left dealing with painful and indescribable loss or trauma.

I want to use this opportunity to pay tribute to and give thanks to all who assisted in the swift response to this accident. It must have been so difficult as many knew or were related to pupils of Keswick School or had connections in some way. Firstly to the swift, highly professional and compassionate Emergency Services who worked as one team alongside volunteers from Keswick and Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Teams (approximately 200 people).

I also want to thank those individuals from Braithwaite community who rushed to the crash scene to assist, in particular the teaching staff of Braithwaite CE School and Little Monkeys Nursery who had arrived amid the chaos within minutes of the accident to assist and support the injured. Braithwaite School was given over in order to provide a valuable emergency centre. Once established it was soon inundated with offers of help from many individuals as well as provision of food and equipment from the Royal Oak, the Coledale Inn and the village shop and a number of teaching staff members from Keswick School. All were supported by the Red Cross and other nursing staff from a wide area as well as clergy from local Churches. It was a fantastic response. Both at the accident site and at Braithwaite School, despite the traumatic situation I witnessed Keswick School pupils show exemplary maturity and loving compassion to one another.

Thank you to all who continue to support the bereaved and those injured or traumatized by the incident.  The Bishop of Carlisle was able to visit a number of people in Braithwaite this week as well as both Braithwaite and Keswick Schools.

Please do let me know if you are aware of anyone who needs support as result of this accident. Please be assured of our prayers at this time, and know that we continue daily to receive assurances of prayerful support from across the country.

Braithwaite, June 2010