downsmail.co.uk
Fond memories of friend who died in charity race
A MAN died after sustaining seri- ous injuries during the Sutton Va- lence charity pram race on New Year’s Day. Tributes have been paid to 52-
year-old Francis O’Sullivan, who was taking part in the traditional vil- lage pram race with friends when his pram flipped over as crowds cheered on contestants. Aspokesman for Kent Police said emergency services responded fol- lowing the accident and the man was flown by air ambulance to Kings College Hospital in London, where he died in the early hours of January 3 of serious head injuries. The race has been held for more
than 30 years by the Queen’s Head Oddfellows in aid of local causes. This year’s event was in aid of the Medical Detection Dogs charity. Steph Ewen, landlady at The Queen’s Head in Sutton Valence where the charity is based, added: “Things are too raw for a knee-jerk
reaction.The racemaygo ahead, but at the moment everyone’s thoughts are with the family, with a whole year for a decision such as this.” MrO’Sullivan,whowasknownto
tragic accident whilst competing in the Sutton Valence pram race. “Love you always and forever; in
our thoughts, a great Brother Dad and Uncle. May you sleep tight and smile down on us. Sweet dreams. Love you for ever, your family xx” It is believed that Mr O’Sullivan occasionally worked at The George Inn in Leeds village. Andy Dungate said: “He is not
going to come home, nor to our pub where he occasionally worked, but was always a supreme character. “I just want to say that Titch you
his friends as Titch, was pictured (right) on the Facebook page set up for the pram race, along with other competitors, just minutes before the accident. His sister, Jeanette, a former pupil
at Maidstone’s St Simon Stock School paid tribute with a message that read: “My beautiful brother,
will always be a special one-off; they ain’t going to make them like you any more, give them fun in heaven my friend.” Stacey Beal added: “You will be so incredibly missed by everyone and The George won’t be the same with- out you and that infectious and cheeky grin of yours. You made me laugh and smile every time I saw you and ‘those stories’we will never forget. Have a Guinness for me up there my darling.” Kent Police say there are no suspi-
cious circumstances and the case will be referred to the coroner.
News Village fitness
BUILDING fitness and friends is the aim of a new activity group in Harrietsham. Afun run on Glebe Fieldwas the
first of what is hoped will be regu- lar activities to get villagers active. The scheme is the idea of Harri- etsham and Lenham borough councillors Tom and Janetta Sams. Janetta said: “Our idea is not only
to promote physical fitness, but friendships, overcoming loneliness and promoting general emotional well-being.” They are keen to hear from any-
one wishing to get involved or in- terested in organising similar events in 2017. Email janettasams or
tomsams@maidstone.gov.uk.
Homes refused
APLANNING inspector’s decision not to allow housing on farmland in Headcorn has beenwelcomed by the parish council. The appeal for 57 houses by Cheale Estateswas rejected follow- ing Maidstone Council’s decision to oppose the plan. Had it been al- lowed, the appeal site would have extended Countryside Properties development along the Lenham Road.
Headcorn Parish Council chair-
man Lyn Selby said: “We hope this is another sign that the tide might be turning.”
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