There are weekends that remind us exactly what our communities are made of.
This year’s Blue Light Weekend in Withernsea was one of them.
Thousands of people turned out to support an event that showcased the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the emergency services who work tirelessly across our region.
It was a celebration of service, community spirit and the bond that exists between the public and those who put themselves on the front line to help others.
The organisers, volunteers, emergency personnel and visitors have all played their part in what was another tremendous success for the town.
Yet as we celebrate the best of our community, we are also reminded of its deepest sorrows.
Over the past week communities have been shocked and saddened by the tragic death of a teenager in the sea at Hornsea. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends as they navigate an unimaginable loss.
As journalists, we have a responsibility not only to report the news but also to consider the human consequences of what we publish.
In this case, as the teenager’s parents made it clear, they did not wish for his identity to be made public.
The Gazette has respected those wishes.
Sadly, not every news organisation has taken the same approach, namely the Sun.
The teenager has been named by reporter Mark Branagan, despite the family’s and Humberside Police’s request for privacy.
We will not be following that path.
At the Gazette, we believe local journalism should be rooted in compassion as well as accuracy.
Just because information can be published does not always mean it should be. Families experiencing the worst moments of their lives deserve dignity and respect, not intrusion.
Our role is to inform our readers, hold power to account and celebrate the communities we serve. It is not to compound the grief of those already suffering.
The overwhelming support shown at Withernsea’s Blue Light Weekend demonstrated the very best qualities of our area: kindness, togetherness and respect for others. Those same values guide me and our newsroom every day.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. It really does mean a great deal to us.
