Latest news with #Manilva
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Football chairman Chris Wright held tragic wife Debra in his arms as she lay dying after jet ski crash in Costa del Sol
A BRIT woman killed in a jet ski and speedboat crash on a Costa del Sol beach spent her last moments in her husband's arms, he has revealed. Debra Wright, 47, was a mum of four and 'the glue' of the family, said her heartbroken husband Chris, chairman of Ashton Town FC. 4 4 Primary school teaching assistant Debra tragically died on Saturday evening when a speedboat crashed into the jet ski that she was riding with Chris at Los Toros beach in Manilva - just west of Estepona. Police said the speedboat was driven by a friend of the couple's, who failed a breath test after the horror crash. Chris, 52, has told how he swam to his wife after the crash to 'hold her in my arms until she passed away'. He said: 'My darling wife was a 47-year-old mother of four wonderful sons, Stuart, Jack, Josh and Leon and a nanny to seven beautiful grandchildren. 'She was an incredible sister and doting daughter. 'She was our compass, the glue to bind the family, an amazing woman whose glow would fill any room. 'She was so enigmatic, inspirational and loving. Our family will never be the same.' Debra's son Stuart McDonald shared a moving tribute on social media, writing: 'MUM… I never knew how much I needed someone until now, I'm so sorry that I didn't tell you just how much I loved you every single day. You meant the world to me." He added: 'You know I was never one for a Facebook post, but this is just for you. 'Sleep tight Mum, I miss you so much. Life will never be the same without you.' Brit tourists face holiday chaos with strikes confirmed for 180,000 hospitality staff throughout July on hotspot islands Son Leon Wright wrote in a tribute of his own: 'Words can't describe how much I'm missing you right now. "You were the life and soul of every party, I am so happy to be called your son and I couldn't have asked for anyone better to be my mum." Police said on Monday that the speedboat driver had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and an alcohol-related offence after failing a breath test. Local outlets, including Diario Sur, say the reading the breath test gave was not a high one. He was reportedly released on bail after a behind-closed-doors court hearing on Sunday, with the investigation still ongoing. He has not been named or formally charged with any offence at this stage. Ashton Town FC, which plays in the North West Counties League Division One North, wrote on Monday: 'It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that on behalf of Ashton Town FC we announce the tragic death of Debra Wright, the wife of Chris our Chairman who was tragically killed whilst on holiday in Spain on Saturday evening. 'Our family are in mourning at this sad time and we ask for time for Chris and his family and everyone at the club to be able to start to come to terms with this tragedy. 'RIP Debra, fly high sweetheart x.' 'To our Debra Wright rip with the angels. The world has lost such a beautiful soul and I will miss your gorgeous smile. Taken far too soon.'
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
Husband of British woman killed in Spanish jet ski horror describes how he swam out to 'hold her in my arms until she passed away' after she was struck by boat driven by a friend
The husband of the woman who was killed in a jet ski crash on the Costa del Sol has told how he swam out to cradle his dying wife in his arms after the craft they were on was hit by a speedboat driven by a friend. Debra Wright, a 47-year-old mother-of-four, was named late on Monday as the British tourist killed in Saturday evening's collision in southern Spain. Chris Wright, the 52-year-old chairman of Ashton Town FC, revealed overnight that he swam to his wife, a primary school teaching assistant, after the crash off a beach in Manilva, west of Estepona, to 'hold her in my arms until she passed away'. He described her as an 'amazing woman' and the family 'compass and glue' as one of her sons admitted he was 'sorry' for not saying he loved her every day. 'My darling wife was a 47-year-old mother of four wonderful sons, Stuart, Jack, Josh and Leon and a nanny to seven beautiful grandchildren. She was an incredible sister and doting daughter,' he said. 'She was our compass, the glue to bind the family, an amazing woman whose glow would fill any room. She was so enigmatic, inspirational and loving. Our family will never be the same.' Son Stuart Mcdonald said in his own heart wrenching tribute on social media penned in the form of a personal letter: 'MUM…I never knew how much I needed someone until now, I'm so sorry that I didn't tell you just how much I loved you every single day. You meant the world to me.' Police revealed yesterday a man described as a friend who had been piloting the speedboat that struck the jet ski Debra was riding pillion on had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and an alcohol-related offence after failing a breath test. Ms Wright is understood to have died instantly from the collision. Writing on social media, Mr Mcdonald added: 'I'm so angry and upset, totally lost, I don't even know how to move forward without you. 'You are my Mum, my best friend, I wish I could swap places with you. If I could knowing you would be ok, I would do it in a heartbeat. 'It would be impossible to thank you for everything you have done for us, you loved me when I couldn't love myself, you've backed me every step of the way. 'I really hope I made you just the tiniest bit proud.' Leon Wright, who works for Wigan-based family recruitment agency LRL, said in a separate tribute: 'I can't believe I am writing this. MUM you were one of a kind. 'Words can't describe how much I'm missing you right now. You were the life and soul of every party, I am so happy to be called your son and I couldn't have asked for anyone better to be my Mum. 'I just want to say thank you for all the great memories you have given me, thank you for all your support you have given me, thank you for all your love you have given and thank you for everything else that you have done for me. 'I'm trying to keep strong but you did that for me I am broken, I just want you back. I LOVE YOU MUM.' A message released by Ashton Town FC as a tribute to Debra on social media In a statement, the club announced the tragedy, writing: 'It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that on behalf of Ashton Town FC we announce the tragic death of Debra Wright, wife of Chris our Chairman who was tragically killed whilst on holiday in Spain on Saturday evening. 'Our family are in mourning at this sad time and we ask for time for Chris and his family and everyone at the club to be able to start to come to terms with this tragedy. 'RIP Debra, fly high sweetheart.' The club, based in Greater Manchester, play in the North West Counties League Division One North. The incident happened around 7.25pm on Saturday at a beach called Los Toros, just west of the popular holiday resort of Estepona. A spokesman for the Civil Guard in Malaga said: 'I can confirm the dead woman is a 43-year-old British national. 'She was a passenger on the jet ski.' A well-placed police source previously said: 'The jet ski was being driven by her partner. They appear to have been hit from behind by a friend at the wheel of a speedboat. 'He failed a breath test after the collision, so he's likely to have been arrested but that is not something I can confirm at this stage.' Debra and Chris were understood to have been on holiday in the area. A spokesman for a regional government-run emergency response coordination centre, speaking before police confirmed the nationality of the victim, said: 'A woman died late on Saturday in the town of Manilva in Malaga in a collision between a jet ski and a motorboat 'The nautical accident occurred on Los Toros beach at around 19:25 hours, when several witnesses alerted the coordination centre of a collision between a jet ski and a speedboat. 'The Civil Guard went to the scene with coastguards who mobilised a boat called Gadir and emergency medical responders.' A spokesperson for the UK's Foreign Office told MailOnline: 'We are supporting the family of a British woman who died in Spain and are in contact with the local authorities.'
The Sun
20-05-2025
- The Sun
From sea pools to hidden caves: Spain's cheapest beach destinations this summer
SPAIN still has some amazingly affordable holidays on offer this summer - and we've found the cheapest beach destinations. New research from TravelSupermarket has revealed the ten most affordable Spanish beach destinations for summer 2025, with the Costa del Sol's Manilva taking the top spot as the cheapest resort. 9 Steph Marinkovic, head of editorial at TravelSupermarket, said: "Spain continues to represent excellent value for holidaymakers, with our research revealing impressive affordability across mainland Spain, the Canaries, and the Balearics. "Holidaymakers might expect a huge resort to offer the best value, but this shows that getting away from the crowds and finding unique, authentic spots can mean travellers save big. "Across the top ten, we see a mix of established resort towns and lesser-known gems, giving budget-conscious travellers plenty of options for their summer getaway." Manilva, Costa del Sol = £371 The little-known municipality of Manilva has emerged as Spain's most affordable resort for summer 2025, with seven-night getaways averaging around £371 per person. "What makes Manilva truly special is that it's actually three distinct experiences in one destination," explained Steph Marinkovic. "Visitors can base themselves in the traditional whitewashed pueblo up on the hill with its stunning coastal views, the more polished Puerto de la Duquesa marina area, or the authentic Spanish beach town of San Luis de Sabinillas - all at incredibly competitive prices." The area is full of vineyards, which according to Marinkovic, are one of Manilva's "best-kept secrets". "Locals have been growing Moscatel grapes here for generations, traditionally for sweet wines and raisins," she said. "Today, producers like Nilva are reviving the tradition with modern dry whites, and visitors can tour vineyards, taste wines, and buy bottles at a fraction of the cost you'd pay in France or Italy." Explore Tenerife with The Sun's Best of Beaches There is also the Blue Flag-certified Sabinillas Beach just minutes away, the gorgeous 18th-century Church of Santa Ana in the pueblo, loads of affordable tapas bars, and a chilled marina with restaurants serving food from around the world. "Everything runs at that lovely, laid-back pace that's getting harder to find in the busier Costa del Sol hotspots," Marinkovic said. Costa del Silencio, Tenerife = £424 Tenerife's Costa del Silencio takes second place for affordability, with seven-night holidays averaging £424 per person. "Costa del Silencio offers exceptional value for those seeking summer sun in the Canaries," noted Marinkovic. "What's great about this spot is that it's much quieter than Tenerife's busy southern resorts, but it's super affordable. 9 "You've got the amazing golden Montaña Amarilla volcanic formation right on your doorstep - one of Tenerife's most Instagram-worthy natural landmarks – without paying the premium prices you'd expect for such spectacular scenery." The destination is also known for snorkelling and diving opportunities with crystal clear waters and access to the nearby Golf del Sur. S'illot, Majorca = £449 At £449 per person for a week-long stay, Majorca's east coast resort of S'illot ranks as the third most affordable Spanish beach destination. "S'illot gives you the best bang for your buck on the Balearic Islands this summer,' Marinkovic explained. "The secret advantage of this compact resort is its location - you can hop on a bike and explore Majorca's gorgeous eastern coastline on the cycle path that links several beach towns. 9 "Stay here and you've basically got a budget-friendly launchpad to visit pricier spots like Cala Millor and Sa Coma without paying their premium rates." In particular, Marinkovic noted that the soft sandy beaches are perfect for families and the famous Drach Caves are easily accessible from here. Calpe, Costa Blanca = £470 The former fishing village of Calpe on the Costa Blanca offers seven-night holidays averaging £470 per person. Marinkovic shared: "Calpe blends affordable holiday basics with genuine Spanish charm in the old town. "You can wander through the Moorish Quarter and check out the local fish market – the kind of authentic experiences that might cost a fortune elsewhere, but here they're just part of your daily holiday routine. 9 "And if you want a lively night out or family attractions, then it's just 15 miles south to reach Benidorm." Cala Ratjada, Majorca = £488 Nestled on Majorca's northeast coast, this pretty harbour town averages £488 per person for a seven-night stay. Marinkovic said: "Cala Ratjada is a total bargain for a place with such gorgeous beaches. "Savvy savers have cottoned on that you can enjoy the same crystal-clear waters and golden sands as the pricier northeastern Majorca spots without the hefty price tag. "The best part? You've got three completely different beaches within walking distance – Son Moll for easy swimming, stunning Cala Gat for stunning sunset photos, and the larger Cala Agulla that rarely gets crowded." She also shared that there is a bustling seafront promenade too, with restaurants and bars to watch the world go by. Callao Salvaje, Tenerife = £498 9 This Tenerife resort ranks sixth for affordability, with week-long holidays averaging £498 per person. "Callao Salvaje is Tenerife's hidden gem for bargain hunters," said Marinkovic. "The self-catering apartments here are brilliant for keeping food costs down – cook when you want or eat out if you fancy. "Plus, you're just a 15-minute drive from all the big attractions in Costa Adeje like Aqualand, but without paying Costa Adeje prices. "It's like getting the full Tenerife experience with a nice discount just for staying a bit off the main tourist drag." The area also benefits from up to 10 hours of sunshine a day and also has a lovely beach. Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava = £508 This picturesque Costa Brava resort, instantly recognisable for its 12th-century castle, offers seven-night holidays at an average of £508 per person. "Tossa de Mar should be way more expensive than it is,' Marinkovic said. 9 "It boasts a stunning medieval old town, an impressive castle perched on the cliff, and gorgeous beaches all in one place. "It's perfect if you want more than just a beach flop – you can combine sunbathing with wandering through cobblestone streets, browsing local shops, stopping for tapas, and still have change left for dinner." Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife = £512 This northern Tenerife town ranks eighth for affordability, with seven-night stays averaging around £512 per person. "Puerto de la Cruz gives you a completely different side of Tenerife for less," shared Marinkovic. "This is a proper Canarian town with a real local feel, not just a purpose-built resort. "The botanical gardens are gorgeous, and the sea pools designed by César Manrique are a must-visit. "It's a top pick for couples who want a romantic getaway without the ridiculous prices that usually come with more traditional romantic spots, and there are lovely hiking trails in the Orotava Valley just a short trip away." 9 Lloret de Mar, Costa Brava = £522 One of Costa Brava's most popular resorts ranks ninth for affordability, with seven-night holidays averaging £522 per person. Marinkovic said: "Lloret de Mar proves you don't have to pay through the nose for a popular spot. "Yes, it's famous for nightlife, but there's so much more to it – free activities, the beautiful Playa de Lloret beach, and even the Gothic Parish Church of Sant Roma that's worth a visit." The resort also has more than a party scene - it is great for families and couples too. There are self-catering options also, which is good for those trying to manage a budget. El Arenal, Majorca = £535 Rounding out the top ten, El Arenal offers seven-night summer escapes at an average of £535 per person. "El Arenal is brilliant for active beach-lovers who don't want to blow their budget,' Marinkovic explained. 9 "You're right on Majorca's longest stretch of sand, and the water sports here are amazing – try paddleboarding, jet skiing, or parasailing for much less than you'd pay at fancier resorts." The destrination is a short distance from Palma, which means visitors can enjoy the city life whenever they want. For those with kids, there is also Majorca's biggest waterpark - Aqualand - nearby. Jet2 has also launched new holidays to one of Spain's cheapest cities known as the 'Garden of Europe' – with summer highs of 35C. Plus, the top holiday destinations in Spain that are offering hotels from £22pp a night. 9
