Datchet bridge officially renamed in memory of man who lost his life in Jubilee River

A footbridge in Datchet has been officially renamed after a young man from Langley who drowned in the Jubilee River.

Family and friends of 20-year-old Michael Scaife, from Trelawney Avenue, gathered for a ceremony on Friday which saw the footbridge at The Myrke in Datchet renamed Michael’s Bridge.

Michael died in the river in August after he jumped in to try and save a friend who had got into difficultly in the water.

His father, Mark Scaife, gave an emotional tribute to his son as he helped unveil a plaque warning people of the hidden dangers of swimming in open water.

In his speech Mark said: “I just want to say thank you for everyone that’s got involved to help us get where we are today.

“Hopefully we can now get the safety message out that it’s dangerous out here. Not just in this river but all rivers.

“Hopefully this will save lives.”

In a touching tribute to Michael, his family and friends dressed in his favourite colour, purple, for the ceremony.

Firefighters from Slough Fire Station who attended the tragic accident last summer also attended the ceremony to pay their respects.

Cllr Jesse Grey (Con, Datchet), Cllr Gary Muir (Con, Datchet) and the new mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead, Cllr Sayonara Luxton, were also present as well as representatives from the Environment Agency (EA).

Speaking to the Express after the event, Mark Scaife praised the EA for working with his family to help make the river safer.

Warning signs and lifebuoys have been installed while trees have also been planted on the riverbanks to try and deter people from jumping in.

Mark added: “Our family hope by naming this bridge in Michael’s memory it will have the necessary effect to educate and warn people of the dangers of open water swimming and to ensure no other families have to endure the pain we are feeling.”