The father of the 12-year-old boy who was swept out to sea a week ago has thanked the Anglesey and Huddersfield community for their support in his family’s darkest hour.

Adam Nash, 35, was speaking after North Wales Police confirmed they were scaling down the search for Isaac, a popular pupil at Kirkburton Middle School.

Despite heroic efforts to save Isaac by his grandfather Paul he was unable to clutch him to safety and he slipped from his grasp as they were overpowered by large waves.

Adam successfully managed to rescue Isaac’s brother Xander though at one point the exhausted lad told his dad he thought he was going to die.

Since then the devastated family have been overwhelmed by messages of support and practical help.

And hundreds of pounds has been raised for The Isaac Nash Trust in a bid to provide skateboard and scooter facilities in Isaac’s village.

Adam said: “There’s been a week of searching and everyone has done a really thorough job. A lot of people have been looking for him. He might end up miles out.”

He said it had been a difficult time for Xander who has had to cope with a huge amount of attention in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Adam said: “Isaac was so dominant and extremely competitive that Xander always had to try to live up to his older brother. Now he has been getting a lot of attention and I had a word with him saying he will have to stay humble and not to get big-headed. He has got to focus on his schoolwork.

“He keeps coming out with some really nice things and has been washing cars for the RNLI. I still think he has not fully taken in what has happened.

“We were thinking of going back down to Anglesey this weekend but we have decided to stay here to give him some stability.”

He added: “The support has been amazing but I have got to get my practical head on and make sure everyone is being looked after. We have a two-year-old daughter Greta who is a little character and she keeps us sane. We have this little girl to look after.

“She keeps mentioning Isaac’s name. She knows he should be around. They were very close.”

Isaac Nash with little sister Greta
Isaac Nash with little sister Greta

He also revealed how his father had recently returned from Anglesey saying: “I saw Paul last night. He is finding it extremely difficult. He is finding it very difficult to let go.

“He wants to stay very close to the community in Anglesey who have been terrific from the ‘lobster man’ to dog walkers who have kept on searching.

“We are considering having a special service down there soon.”