English Channel tragedy: Shropshire swimmer Nick Thomas's family thanks support crew
The family of Channel swimmer Nick Thomas today spoke of their gratitude to the crew of a support boat who fought to save him when he collapsed and died.
They spoke as the 45-year-old was today being laid to rest following a funeral service.
Mr Thomas had almost completed his epic swim from Dover to Calais when his team on board the boat noticed he was drifting and pulled him on board.
An inquest, held yesterday, heard he died of a heart attack following 16 hours in the water.
Speaking after the inquest, on behalf of his wife, children and mother, his brother Lee, said: "We will be forever grateful to the crew who fought so valiantly to save Nick. It is devastating for all that their attempts were ultimately in vain."
He said the family had been inundated with messages from those who knew Mr Thomas, locally and from the across the world.
He added: "The immediate family have gained a huge amount of comfort from the messages and support received from friends, family and the sporting community. Nick was a larger than life character who loved and lived life to the full. The support the family has received has shown just how highly thought of he was."
"Nick will never be forgotten and will always hold a place in our hearts."
Lee has launched a just giving page to raise funds for the Midlands Air Ambulance in his brother's memory.
He said: "He always supported the Air Ambulance and the page has been set up for those people who want to donate in his memory. The Midlands Air Ambulance Charity funds three helicopters serving West Midlands, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. The family would like to thank you in advance for anything received."
John Ellery, senior coroner for Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin held the inquest at Shrewsbury's Shirehall. He heard that Mr Thomas, of Berwyn View, Ellesmere, had previously successfully swum the Channel and had taken part in numerous ultra athlete competitions around the world. He trained three times a week at the Mere at Ellesmere and had also been swimming regularly in the sea. He also led a local open water swimming group. He recorded a verdict of misadventure.
The funeral service was today being held at St Mary's Parish Church in Ellesmere. Mourners, led by his wife Karen and children, Ashley, 21 and Sarah, 18, were being asked not to wear black.
