Kate Bush pays tribute to antiques dealer who is feared to have drowned on Christmas Day swim and says he ‘lived life to the full’

Kate Bush has paid tribute to her ‘best friend’ who disappeared while swimming on Christmas Day after trying to save a woman in distress.

Antiques dealer Matthew Upham, 63, went to the beach off the Budleigh Salterton coast in Devon on the morning of December 25.

He was among dozens of people, some wearing Santa hats; He had taken a cold dive into the sea, but faced serious difficulties within seconds due to huge waves caused by strong winds.

Mr Upham and a man in his 40s are feared to have drowned after several other swimmers were pulled from the water by rescuers.

Mrs Bush, 67, who has lived in Devon since 2005, paid tribute to her friend of 30 years and said she had ‘lived life to the fullest’.

The Running Up That Hill singer wrote on her website: ‘He was one of those people who touched everyone he met. He was incredibly kind, thoughtful, and lived life to the fullest. It was also a lot of fun.

‘His family is heartbroken and so am I, along with many of his friends. Matthew was a very strong swimmer. He had a great passion for skiing. He understood that the sea must be respected. It’s very tragic that he lost his life like this.

‘The world has lost someone incredibly special. Thank you, Matthew, for being one of the best friends a person could ever have.’

Kate Bush, 67, who has lived in Devon since 2005, said she ‘lived life to the fullest’ as she paid tribute to her friend of 30 years

Mr Upham had gone to the beach for his annual swim with friends on Christmas Day morning.

After the strong wind, he was almost reaching the shore when he noticed a woman in distress beyond the surf line.

A friend of 30 years told the Mail on Sunday: ‘Matthew swam to reach it but as he did so a large wave hit him and dragged him under. He hasn’t been seen since.

‘He was an extremely fit man and swam these waters almost every day, but more than that he was an incredibly dedicated person.

‘So when he saw that woman in distress, the only outcome was that he would swim straight to get to her rather than save himself.

‘From what I am told, he had initially managed to escape danger and was about to reach the beach but turned back when he saw the woman struggling.

‘His friends with him watched him move towards her, but when the wave came it was so strong it dragged him away, he really didn’t stand a chance.

‘The woman eventually made it back to shore but Matthew remains missing and hopes of finding him alive are quickly fading.

Emergency services were called to the beach at Budleigh Salterton at 10.25am on Christmas Day following concerns about swimmers.

‘I think it’s important for people to know that the reason he went missing was because he went out to save someone; He was a very strong swimmer who knew the coastline like the back of his hand and was not one to recklessly put himself at risk.’

Initial reports suggested the missing man, aged in his 40s, went to Mr Upham’s aid when he noticed him in danger.

Mr Upham ran his antiques business in Fulham for many years before moving to Devon and specializing in chandeliers.

He has also appeared in various YouTube videos about antiques.

Little is known about the missing man, who is in his 40s, but he is believed to be married with children.

According to witnesses, swimmers entered the sea after seeing a lifeboat, raising concerns that participants may have thought the informal swim was supported by lifeguards.

It is understood the RNLI lifeboat was out on a drill and was not there to protect swimmers taking part in the Christmas Day swim.

But the lifeboat quickly responded when people got into trouble and they were joined by Exmouth and Beer Coastguard rescue teams and a search and rescue police helicopter.

Flowers were left on the beach where Mr Upham went for his annual swim with friends on Christmas Day morning

Devon and Cornwall Police said several swimmers were helped back to shore and taken to hospital as a precaution, but added: ‘Two men are currently missing and searches and inquiries are ongoing in efforts to find them.’

Mr Upham’s family posted on social media the next day to remember him and thank emergency services for their efforts.

His nephew, Major Harley Upham, wrote on the Instagram account of the antique shop in Budleigh Salterton: ‘Our family are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved family member Matthew Upham, who was reported missing on Christmas morning.

‘Matthew is much loved and will be missed forever.

‘We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks to the emergency services who responded, particularly the RNLI and the coastguard, for their dedication, professionalism and tireless efforts during this extremely difficult time.

‘We are so grateful to them for their compassion and support.

‘We ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we grieve and support each other.

‘We thank everyone for their understanding, kindness and condolences.’