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downsmail.co.uk Tributes after death of triathlete


THE triathlete who drowned during the first leg of a charity challenge at Leybourne Lakes County Park had a history of epilepsy, an inquest has heard.


Paul Gallihawk (34) disappeared


while taking part in the Ocean Lake Triathlon.Heentered thewater for a 750-metre race with more than 100 other swimmers during the first leg of the triathlon, but failed to emerge. A large search operation continued for three days, but his body was found by divers on Bank Holiday Monday,August 31. Aninquest whichwas opened and adjourned heard that a post mortem examination gave the cause of death as immersion with epilepsy as a con- tributing factor. Paul had not had an epileptic fit


for 10 years but recently consulted a doctor after suffering from dizzy spells. He had been referred to King’s College Hospital. Paul had hoped to raise £300 for


the hospital, where his father had been treated, and had set up a Just- Giving page. When he started the race, the fund stood at £400 but less than a week later, it had risen to more than £17,000, including many donations from people who had not known him. Recruitment worker Paul, who lived in Maidstone, went to Swade-


Phoenix firms


IN last month’s Downs Mail we conducted an investigation into phoenix companies, which is a practice whereby the assets of a failed company are passed on to another company. We would like to state that Phoenix Community, a com- munity interest company based in Senacre, had no association with this investigation whatso- ever.


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NOMINATIONS are now open for the 2015 Dementia-FriendlyAwards in Kent.


Launched this year, the awards


are a chance to recognise the great work done by volunteers, organisa- tions and projects in order to make Kent more dementia-friendly and residents are being asked to nomi- nate their local heroes. The seven award categories are:


Kent’s most inspiring person living with dementia: This award cele- brates someone living with demen- tia who has worked hard to make a


10 Malling September 2015 Paul Gallihawk at the triathlon


lands School at Lenham and later ran two businesses, Jobs4Locals and Recruit Happy. Hewas a keen foot- baller and two years ago, set up Whitehawks FC, who play in the Maidstone and Mid Kent Sunday Football League.A minute’s silence was held throughout the league in his memory on theweekend follow- ing the tragedy. Organisers of the Ocean Lake Triathlon said theywere deeply sad-


dened by Paul’s death. Although he was an active sportsman, this was his first triathlon, and he was thought to have been wearing the yellow cap of a novice. The race followed set safety guide-


lines covering the number of mar- shalls and water temperatures. At least three kayaks and an inflatable boat were supervising during the race and novices were asked to in- form officials at registration. If any- one required assistance, they were expected to turn on their backs and raise an arm to summon the safety boat. However, it appears that no- one saw what happened to Paul, whose absence emerged after the start of the next stage of the race when a spare bikewas found in the rack.


Jack Buckner, chairman of the


British Triathlon Federation, said triathlon had an excellent safety record. This event followed set safety guidelines and had a compar- atively small field of only 108 ath- letes. The Health and Safety Executive


said itwas making early inquiries to see whether a full investigation


Kats cheer new victory


THE St Katherine's Kats Cheerleaders are the best school cheerleading team in the country again, after winning the National Future Cheer “Schools Out” competi- tion in Southend. The pupils from St Katherine's School, Snodland retained the title they won last year and also won a second trophy and a second place trophy. They com- peted against teams from all over the country.


Awards recognise dementia work


difference in theirownor other peo- ple’s lives.  Kent’s dementia volunteer award;  Medway’s dementia volunteer award;  Kent’s best local community involvement initiative;  Kent’s best organisational ini- tiative;  Kent’s best partnership project;  Kent’s best intergenerational initiative. Last month, KCC’s cabinet joined


have become Dementia Friends since the initiativewas launched last year.


KCCcabinet member for adult so-


cial care and public health Graham Gibbens said: “KCC recognises the excellent work happening to make communities more inclusive of de- mentia and help people living with dementia lead more fulfilled lives.” Details of how to enter are avail-


able at www.dementiafriend- lykent.org.uk/awards. Finalists will be invited to a cere-


the more than 20,000 people who mony at County Hall on October 2.


would be needed. Paul’s parents Malcolm and Linda


and brother Nick said in a statement: “Words cannot express howwe feel and what Paul meant, not only to us but to all of his family and friends. Paulwas a brilliant son and brother to Nick – he would do anything to help anyone and would always put them first. He had such a caring na- ture and will be sadly missed by all the family, extended family and friends.” Nick, from Leeds, added: “Paul


was the most caring brother and best friend I could have asked for.” Paul’s girlfriend, Hayley, said:


“Paul and I had been together for five years and he was the most amazing and thoughtful partner.He was incredible in every way and he always put others before himself. I loved him to bits and always will.” Friends recalled Paul’s sense of humour and his generosity. In a statement they said: “Many of us have known Paul since we went to school together and we are all com- pletely heartbroken. He was a gen- uine and honest man – he was the funniest person in the world.”


Moonlight walk


to help hospice ENJOY an eight-mile walk in the moonlight on Saturday, September 19 to remember a loved one and help raise money for the Heart of Kent Hospice.


The circular route starts and fin- ishes in front of Preston Hall, the approach to Heart of Kent Hospice. Walkers will set off at 9pm and can enter as an individual or as part of a group – fancy dress is optional. The hospice is planning to create


a wall of memories on the night and walkers are invited to bring a photo of their loved one with a per- sonal message in celebration of their life.


Entry, which includes a com- memorative T-shirt, is £18 per indi- vidual or £126 for a team of eight. There is no minimum sponsorship requirement, but any money raised will be much appreciated. For details, or to register, go to www.hokh.org or call fundraising on 01622 790195.


Exchange plan


A DISUSED telephone exchange could be converted to a two-bed- room house.


Mary Saultrey has applied to Tonbridge and Malling Council to convert the redundant building in Old Road, East Peckham.


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