The Willson Family visited Stubbers Adventure Centre in Upminster, Essex to see the Access 303 Wide sailing dinghy funded by the JWCT, being used by some disabled youngsters from the Ab Phab Group of Barking & Dagenham on 14 June. The dinghy is specially designed to be sailed by individuals who are wheelchair bound and is almost impossible to capsize. Everything on the boat, including the rudder, daggerboard, and sails can be controlled by someone sitting at the back of the boat. After a formal handing over by Nick (Jeremy’s father) to Stubbers Centre Manager, Bob Edwards, the family watched the dinghy, named The Jeremy Willson, being used by a youngster. Nick said “it was fantastic to see the joy on the face of the disabled lad using the boat.” Bob Edwards added that “The Jeremy Willson will bring much enjoyment to youngsters that haven’t had that level of independence on the water before.”

At over £3,000, this was the largest grant the JWCT has made to date, however everyone agreed that it was a good investment of funds. The family would like to thank Bob Edwards and his staff for making them so welcome at this inspirational adventure centre, which caters for a multitude of activities.

On 17 May, 27 of Jeremy’s family and friends attended the official opening of a stone bench inscribed with Jeremy’s name, on the Dorset coast between Weymouth and Lulworth Cove. The bench is located at White Nothe, a headland with magnificent views where Jeremy’s ashes were scattered, and made from locally quarried Purbeck Stone. The family have visited the headland many times over the year and decided that they would like to place something in Jeremy’s memory in the area. The weather was truly wild with high wind speeds battering all those who had made the journey to the exposed point, however the sun did finally come out at the end of the proceedings. The Willson Family hope that Jeremy’s friends, including those in distant parts of the world, will one day be able to visit the spot and remember Jeremy.

The Willson Family would like to thank all those who joined them for the informal ceremony despite the dramatic weather conditions and those who made the bench possible, including the Lulworth Trust and Alan Wolsey, who managed the construction and installation of the bench.

Nick and Tricia Willson, Jeremy’s parents, attended Medway & Maidstone Athletics Club’s AGM at the Maidstone Leisure Centre on 17 April 2009. The Jeremy Willson Trophy, awarded annually to the best Winter athlete, was presented by Nick to Pat Curran (right, in photograph) in recognition of many successful years of running with the Club. David Gambrill, who donated the Cup to the Club, was also present. Nick commented that “we are really pleased to be able to recognise Kent athletes at Jeremy’s old club through the award of this magnificent trophy.”

Adrian Lowther, the club’s Men’s Winter Manager, described Pat on the evening as “an athlete who has performed at the highest level for many years and is regular in county teams. He's a massive team player and the evidence of all team events for the past ten years proves this - he's barely ever missing . . . This winter he proved that you can achieve great things with consistent hard work. Despite not being at the height of his powers he managed to pick up second place overall in the Kent Cross League - something which is not easy. I think this award goes a long way to recognising his consistency not only this winter but over many years of racing with his heart on his sleeve.”