Hiccups helps save 20 people from Rhossili Worm's Head Hotel fire

BBC News

17-07-2025

A man woken by hiccups in the night described it as a "surreal" experience to help save 20 guests from a major fire at a landmark hotel. Chef Morgan Matthews spotted the flames, woke his colleague Joe Clayfield, and the pair ran through the car park in their underwear, desperately searching for phone signal to call the fire service.The Worm's Head Hotel, overlooking the Gower Peninsula in Rhossili, was badly damaged in the early hours on Monday. Both men said they were "just so happy" that everyone escaped safely and proud of the community's support.
Mr Matthews said he had been plagued by hiccups for three days and was "being driven mad", which kept him awake and scrolling on his phone. Although he did not see any smoke or hear any noise, he spotted the fire. After waking a "frightened" Mr Clayfield, Mr Matthews said they ran out immediately to try and call the fire service.The pair were "running around the carpark trying to find service" - they eventually got hold of them after three attempts. "Buildings can be rebuilt, you know, but human life is worth so much, so much more," Mr Matthews said."I'm sure the gravity will sink in soon enough. "I think we're staying pretty humble with it for now."
Mr Clayfield, who works alongside Mr Matthews at The View Cafe in Rhossili, said he doesn't see himself as a "hero" but rather someone who was "in the right place at the right time". He called Mr Matthews "the real hero" and added: "If he hadn't been awake, I don't want to know what could have happened."When they learned everyone had escaped without injury, the pair shared a moment they'll "remember forever". Mr Clayfield said: "I was so happy. "It was just pure relief. "We just hugged each other standing there."Although grateful there were no casualties, Mr Clayfield said he "can't imagine what the family of the Wormshead are going through at the minute" and wished them the "best of luck" as they work to rebuild.