Thanks to all who helped find my son

Jack Bray died while saving a friend after she was swept off rocks at Boat Harbour, west of Denmark.

His body was recovered four days after he disappeared on Saturday, April 1.

Mr Bray’s mother, Pauline Prouse, contacted the Advertiser and wanted to publish this letter as thanks to the local emergency services and community who supported her and her family during the heartbreaking search and recovery.

My name is Pauline Prouse and I’m the mother of the man that was lost off the Denmark Coast on April 1.

I wanted to convey to the local volunteers from both Denmark and Albany emergency services, lifesaving clubs, sea rescue and any others that I may have missed, thank you so much for the effort that was put in to find our boy.

You selflessly gave up your time to assist in searching for someone else and this can never be repaid and we are eternally grateful.

To the people of Denmark, all I can say is that you are lucky to have looking after your town the local police, led by OIC Matt Hartfield and his wonderful officers and staff, who we felt went over and beyond their call of duty to get our boy home to us.

Matt kept us informed of the progress of the search and any tiny bit of information and in such a way that Matt and his staff will be ever part of our lives. We thank you for your kindness and empathy whilst you were searching for our boy.

They were also watched over by their superiors, Inspector Mark Twamley and Superintendent Dominic Wood. Insp. Twamley was there from the start and continued the journey to the end and he did it all with respect and kindness — thank you.

Supt Wood took us out to the site where Jack went in to assist his friend on the Sunday (in his spare time) and explained what had been happening with the search — so thank you also.

There are also a couple of special people in the community that I would like to acknowledge — Heather from the Koorabup Motel for bearing with all of us in those terrible days leading up to finding Jack — we hope we didn’t disturb too many other guests! The manager of the Denmark Tavern for also bearing with us as the boys gathered to tell stories and talk about Jack in their tavern — they will remember those days, and expect them back sometime!

The owners/staff from Café 828 who just said “coffee’s on the house and here is some water and food to keep you going through the day” — what can anyone say about the kindness and generosity of strangers.

So in finishing, I would like to say from my family and the friends of Jack’s that came to Denmark, we have all left with the same feelings that the Denmark community has given us back our faith in humanity for their efforts and kindness.

Thank you