Youth C.T.B.A. branch in memory of Chris
Friday, June 15, 2007A MOTHER is launching a youth branch ‘River and Sea Sense in memory of her son who drowned in a river tragedy.
Debbie Turnbull wants youngsters to get involved as she promotes her water safety message.
Her 15-year-old son Chris drowned on August 14 last year while playing with friends at Pont Cyfyng Falls, Capel Curig.
The C.T.B.A. branch will be officially launched at an RNLI emergency services day in Llandudno on Sunday July 29, from 12-4pm.
“I am launching a new youth recruitment campaign and I want them to join and get involved”, said Debbie, of Rhos-on-Sea.
“I will have a branch that will encourage kids to join.
“I hope to promote this throughout the local education authority and with the help of the RNLI and RoSPA to all schools and educate youngsters on the dangers of water. Local events will follow with the help of Colwyn Bay Youth Committee, who have assigned themselves to help me with some events for kids of all ages.”
The Llandudno emergency day will feature an RNLI and RAF display, a fly past by the Welsh Air Ambulance, and other emergency services including coastguard, fire service, ambulance, Red Cross and SARDA search and rescue dogs.
There will also be a launch of a special river rescue raft purchased with funds raised by a group of the drowned youngster’s friends, who call themselves Chris Turnbull’s Barmy Army.
“We already have celebrity interest in this event, so watch this space,” said Debbie, who has made a digital story about her son which will be featured on www.riverandseasense.co.uk.
Debbie will be showing the story to children at Ysgol John Bright next week, after reading in yesterday’s Daily Post how pupil Richard Jones, 16, nearly drowned while playing in the River Conwy.
She is asking for companies who can offer sponsorship of the event and the programme.
The tireless mother also thanked Anthony Flint estate agents, of Llandundo, Blah D Blah creative design company, of Conwy, and Nant Veterinary Surgery, of Rhos-on-Sea, for sponsoring past events and the website.
Debbie has thrown herself into her fundraising and safety work since the tragedy which claimed her son’s life.
That has included raising more than £4,000 for Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue and £1,250 for Colwyn Bay Rugby Club, which Chris played for. Around £2,000 has also been raised for the RNLI and £800 for SARDA.
International medium Margaret Hurdman has also held psychic events to raise money.
“Doing this has made me feel that hopefully I am doing something worthwhile,” said Debbie, who can be contacted on 01492 543615/07879 648568 or through www.riverandseasense.co.uk.
Steve Bagnall
Daily Post
www.icnorthwales.icnetwork.co.uk/dailypost
