18th October 2008

Our beloved daughter Debbie, who was also a loving wife to Tony and mother of three very young children, died suddenly in February 2007.

The cause of death was considered Sudden Death Syndrome.
Debbie had been the Ladies Pair Paddles Cornish Rowing Champion for 13 consecutive years until she took on the task of coaching other young rowers.

Since her death her father and I have been determined to try and raise more awareness for CRY and with this in mind, on the last day of CRY’s Awareness Week, we held our second fundraising event – as described below.

Mousehole Rowing Club once again remembered their coach Debbie Rendle who sadly died in February 2007 from Sudden Death Syndrome, with an event organised in conjunction with CRY Raising Awareness Week. The purpose of the day, which proved to be very successful, was to bring awareness to sporting members of the community and at the same time raise funds to support CRY.

Some 50 to 60 rowers from Gig Clubs Cape Cornwall, Mounts Bay, Pendeen and Zennor – along with Cornish Rowing Association Clubs Mousehole and Trelawney – took part in a row from Penzance and Newlyn. The weather was ideal for the nine boats when they met up at Newlyn for a photograph, before departing to Mousehole.

People watching from the shore in Mousehole were treated to a nautical sight when one by one the boats entered the gaps of the picturesque and historic harbour and pulled up onto the beach. The rowers then made their way up to the Mousehole Sunday School where a warming mug of soup and a roll was awaiting them.

Some of these same rowers then took part in a friendly indoor rowing competition. Consultant cardiologist Dr Robin van Lingen of the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust then gave a very informative presentation on Sudden Death Syndrome.

The organisers are grateful to the Trustees of the Methodist Church for allowing their premises to be used; and to Mounts Bay Gig Club who loaned their rowing machines. Thanks are also extended to all who gave their time and energy to make the day a success.

The final total after paying for the hall, pasties, soup, etc – and including very generous donations of £1000 from the staff of Warrens and £300 from Mousehole Women’s Club – was £1905.