I always try to bring humour to my blogs but today is different.Attended a funeral today of a young man who died tragically in a trampoline training accident. I was fortunate to have taught Christopher for 3 years when he left one school to attend ours. A multi-talented sportsman. Practically brilliant in many disciplines. He passed his GCSE PE with an 'A.'
He then left for further education but came back to visit us several years later. He was only 23. Life is too short sometimes and can be very cruel when one so young and full of exuberance without a care in the world disappears from our lives.I feel so sorry for his parents, sister and family.At the church his sister read a poem which I've included at the bottom with a picture of Christopher.At the wake they had a celebration of his life with photos throughtout his life. Please read if you wish. This account was taken from The British Gymnastics website.
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Christopher Fordham – Fatal Accident

British Gymnastics was shocked and distressed to learn of the untimely death on Monday 27th February, of one of Britain’s most promising Double Mini Trampoline gymnasts. Christopher Fordham, an experienced International performer, had represented Great Britain on numerous occasions including the 2003 and 2005 World Championships.

Christopher was injured whilst training at the Jumpers Rebound Centre in Gillingham, Kent on Saturday 18th February. Christopher’s training pass resulted in him missing the 6m landing area and landing on his back on the floor covered with 20mm floor mats. Christopher’s head hit the floor and resulted in a fractured skull. First Aid was provided by the trained First Aid staff at the centre and the Ambulance Service was at the scene within minutes. Christopher was taken to the Medway Maritime Hospital, where it was discovered that the shock to the brain was also causing severe swelling and cranial pressure. Christopher was later transferred to King’s College Hospital where he underwent an operation to relieve the pressure on his brain and where his condition was described as critical but stable.

Tragically, Christopher’s condition deteriorated during the evening of Sunday 26th February and the decision was taken on Monday 27th February to discontinue his life support systems, when tests revealed permanent and irreversible brain damage.

“It would appear that this is a rare, but tragic, accident” said British Gymnastics Chief Executive, Alan Sommerville. “The Jumpers Rebound Centre in Gillingham is one of the most modern, dedicated Trampoline facilities in Europe, if not the World; their safety provision is to the highest International standards. Christopher was preparing for a trial for the European Championships to be held in Metz, France in May this year and was training with other National Squad members. He was working on passes he had successfully performed safely hundreds of times, under the expert guidance of the National Squad Coach. Double Mini Trampoline, a discipline of Trampolining, is not an Olympic sport and has never received Lottery funding. Nevertheless, British performers, under their own resources and supported by British Gymnastics, are of World Class standard.”

“Everyone in the sport will be devastated by this accident and the untimely loss of such a promising and experienced athlete. We have an enormously dedicated squad of gymnasts and Coaches, whose morale will have taken a severe knock following this accident. In time, they will recover and continue to develop, but at this time”, said Alan Sommerville, “all of our thoughts must be with Christopher’s family and close friends, for whom this tragedy will never diminish, but for whom Christopher’s achievements may later be a comfort, together with the knowledge that he was a great credit to his country, following the sport he loved and passionately believed in.”chris_fordham_w

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a 1,000 winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sun on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled light
I am the soft star that shines at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there; I did not die.

CHRISTOPHER FORDHAM 1983 - 2006
WHEREVER YOU ARE CHRIS - PEACE BE WITH YOU! Mr M