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Fundraising Appeal In Memory Of Isle Of Wight's "Amazing" 'Mr Athletics'

The family of the late Ray Scovell - otherwise known as the Isle of Wight's 'Mr Athletics' - are launching a fundraising appeal in his memory.

The founder of the Island's Medina Park Run passed away last month (January) having contracted coronavirus.

His wife Rose, another key figure in the world of Island athletics, also died with the illness just two weeks after Ray.

Their daughter Claire Apsey says it has been a difficult time for the family, but she has been "overwhelmed" by Islanders' messages of support.

She said:

"To lose both your parents and to lose both of them to COVID, which neither of them had symptoms for, has been really really horrific. 

"Knowing people have been supporting and knowing how fond people were of both my parents is amazing and it's so lovely to read the things people are putting - and people are sending cards and everything.

"It is a strange time because of restrictions on funerals and everything else but just all those people that have contacted us we really really appreciate your kind words."

Claire has now created a fundraiser to help continue her parents' legacy. 

The money will go towards promoting athletics for the Island's younger generations.

She told Isle of Wight Radio that her dad's mantra was always "invest in children because they're the future":

"The appeal's to carry on promoting the work of youth organisations and to encourage athletics within primary schools on the Island is what we're looking at. It's something he [Ray] was very passionate about.

"People were saying we want to make a donation, what can we make a donation to? Because obviously of the restricted numbers at the funeral people can't come and say their goodbyes and things like that so that's why we thought let's do something to honour him."

Claire says she is planning to organise a remembrance service at some point in the future for people to share their memories of Ray and Rose.

In the meantime, she is urging Islanders to donate to the fundraising appeal here.

The money raised will be divided between charities close to Ray's heart.

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