With the 10th anniversary of the tsunami approaching their thoughts have been turning back to that time, and all the help they received from local people.
In particular they have been thinking of a Thai couple whom they know only as Upin and Pitchat. Ben and Emily plan to return to Phuket soon and would very much like to contact the couple – but the names are all they know.
On his Facebook page Ben today (July 15) posted a picture of the couple and explained why these two people are so special.
“On our journey to find high ground a Thai couple took us in and looked after us whilst our Dad went in search for our Mum who was missing. Tragically her body was found later that day.
“During the worst moment of our lives Upin and Pitchat were there for us and our family and we are trying to find them now.
“They let us stay with them until we could leave Phuket the following day, and as Phuket Airport was closed, drove us over 870km to Bangkok so we could fly back to England.
“Words cannot explain how thankful we are for the help and support they gave us, and the kindness they showed at a time when it was needed most will never be forgotten.”
“We have not seen Upin and Pitchat since this day. We are coming to Phuket in a week (20th July) and are trying to find them now in the hope that we can meet them again and thank them for everything they did for us and our family.”
Anyone who recognises the Thai couple from the photo can contact the Willgrasses by email, Tweet #findupinandpitchat or contact Ben through his Facebook page