Thousands of pounds were raised to install lifesaving equipment after Damian McNutt drowned in May 2024

The daughter of a man who drowned in the River Nene in Peterborough has said that thousands of pounds used to fund vital lifesaving equipment has “gone to waste” after a lifebuoy went missing for the third time.

Ellie Mai McNutt was just 12 years old when her dad, Damian, drowned in the River Nene at Henry Penn Walk in May 2024.

Determined to use her dad’s tragic death as a means to raise awareness of water safety, Ellie Mai took it upon herself to raise more than £1,500 to install lifebuoys and a bleed control kit along Henry Penn Walk.

Lifesaving equipment along the River Nene in Peterborough has gone missing

placeholder image — Lifesaving equipment along the River Nene in Peterborough has gone missing

However, the vital lifesaving equipment was targeted by vandals soon after its installation in October 2025, with both lifebuoys removed from their protective box.

One was retrieved, but the other was never found.

Peterborough 12-year-old raises funds for lifesaving equipment at site of father...

Less than a year after it was installed, the one remaining lifebuoy has now also gone missing.

Members of the McNutt family after the equipment was installed last October

Ellie Mai, who is now 13, told the Peterborough Telegraph: “I was very disappointed to see that it’s missing because everyone’s hard work who donated has gone to waste.

“I did live videos, prize draws and a whole donation thing and it’s all gone to waste.”

Ellie Mai admits that she is now “not sure” about taking up further fundraising efforts after learning that the lifebuoy had gone missing again.

Earlier this year, mobile CCTV cameras were installed at Henry Penn Walk after repeated vandalism to the life-saving equipment, but these have now been deployed elsewhere.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, alongside Peterborough City Council, have been running a campaign this summer to keep people save around lakes and rivers.

Community Safety Station Commander Hannah Archdeacon said: “I urge parents to remind young people of the risks of swimming in open water. As much as it can look very tempting to go for a swim in a river, lake or other areas of open water, even if the weather is warm, the water can be so much colder than expected. This can cause your body to go into cold water shock, which can affect your ability to breath.”

Peterborough City Council has been contacted for comment.