The 2025 holiday season was meant to be a time of celebration, tradition, and community. But for the small, picturesque seaside town of Budleigh Salterton in East Devon, Christmas Day took a devastating turn. What began as a festive morning ritual—the annual Christmas Day sea swim—ended in a multi-agency tragedy that has left the world of music, the antiques trade, and the local community in mourning.
Among those grieving is legendary singer-songwriter Kate Bush, who broke her characteristic silence to pay an emotional tribute to one of her “very dearest friends” of 30 years, Matthew Upham.
The Day a Tradition Turned to Tragedy
On the morning of December 25, 2025, hundreds of residents gathered on the pebble beach of Budleigh Salterton. Despite a yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office for powerful winds reaching up to 65 mph, the unofficial but deeply cherished tradition of the Christmas swim went ahead.
Witnesses describe the conditions as some of the most treacherous in years. Waves were reported to be at least six to ten feet high, crashing violently against the shoreline. Just after 10:20 AM, the atmosphere of joy shifted to one of sheer panic.
A Heroic Final Act
Reports from onlookers and fellow swimmers, including 60-year-old Mike Brown who was rescued that morning, paint a harrowing picture. According to the Daily Mail and local accounts, 63-year-old Matthew Upham—a highly experienced and strong swimmer—was nearly back to the safety of the shore when he spotted a woman struggling in the heavy surf further out.
Disregarding his own safety, Upham reportedly turned back into the churning water to assist her. While the woman was eventually pulled to safety by other rescuers, a “huge wave” was seen crashing into Upham. He was swept out to sea and did not resurface. A second man, believed to be in his 40s, also went missing; it is suspected he may have entered the water in a desperate attempt to aid Upham.
Kate Bush’s Tribute: “The World Has Lost Someone Incredibly Special”
For three decades, Matthew Upham was a pillar of support and a source of joy for Kate Bush. In a heartfelt post on her official website, the “Running Up That Hill” singer shared her profound grief with her fans.
“Matthew was one of those people who touched everyone he met,” Bush wrote. “He was extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and lived life to the full. He was also a great deal of fun. His family are heartbroken and along with many of his friends, so am I.”
Bush highlighted that Upham was far from an amateur when it came to the ocean. He was a “very strong swimmer” and an avid kayaker who deeply respected the power of the sea. “It’s so tragic that he lost his life this way,” she lamented. “Thank you, Matthew, for being one of the best friends anyone could have.”
Matthew Upham: The Man Behind the Antiques
To the world, he was a friend of a global icon, but to the residents of Budleigh Salterton and the international antiques community, Matthew Upham was a “shining star” of his trade.
- A Legacy of Elegance: After forty years of successful trading in London’s King’s Road, Upham returned to his family roots in Devon. He established Matthew Upham Antiques in the historic Upham House on the town’s High Street.
- The Master of Light: His shop was world-renowned for its “captivating assortment of chandeliers sourced from across Europe,” which he paired with 18th-century furniture.
- A Community Pillar: Locally, he was known as an “exceptionally kind man” and a “bringer of joy.” Following the news of his disappearance, floral tributes began to pile up at the Budleigh Salterton beach, a testament to the lives he touched.
The Emergency Response: A Community United in Grief
The scale of the rescue operation reflected the severity of the situation. HM Coastguard deployed three helicopters, a fixed-wing aircraft, and three RNLI lifeboats from Exmouth, Teignmouth, and Torbay.
Despite the “tireless efforts” of the emergency crews, the physical search was stood down at 5:00 PM on Christmas Day as darkness fell. Detective Superintendent Hayley Costar of Devon and Cornwall Police described the event as a “truly tragic incident,” urging the public to avoid the water for the remainder of the festive season.
The Lesson in the Waves
The RNLI has since issued a stark reminder about the dangers of cold water shock and winter swells. Even for strong swimmers like Upham, the combination of 10-degree water and 65 mph gusts can prove fatal in seconds.
A Final Farewell to a Hero
As the town of Budleigh Salterton enters 2026, it does so with a heavy heart. Matthew Upham died as he lived—selflessly, with his eyes on the safety of others. While the sea may have claimed his body, his legacy of kindness and his heroic final actions will remain etched in the memories of his family, his community, and his “heartbroken” friend, Kate Bush.
Would you like me to provide a summary of the current safety guidelines for winter swimming from the RNLI or an update on the local memorial service planned for Matthew Upham?