AWARENESS

In this week's show I interviewed a very special guest, but as we'd arranged nothing, I was kept busy finding her choice of music on the studio computer system as we tralked. So I have no script to post here... except my introduction...

You know when you see a notice... BEWARE OF THE BULL... it kind of wakes you up from your reverie while walking through the countryside ... makes you aware that there’s Danger around.  Or you’re taking a walk along the coast... and a sign warns you... BEWARE CLIFF EDGE... you know that if you stray beyond the footpath... you could step out onto thin air.  The word... BEWARE... (always in RED)... wakes us up... makes us more aware.  But could it be that although we understand the warning... some youngsters are not getting the message?  Maybe they think that, like characters in a movie or video game... no-one really dies... or gets hurt... it’s all make-believe... isn’t it?

Well, I’ll be talking about AWARENESS... especially in relation to young people... with my very special guest... in between the records... which I hope will give you food for thought... So I’d now like to welcome Debbie Ann Turnbull... with her own choice of music. 

Now Debbie... you have a very special reason for talking to people... that relates to the dangers in life that can take a loved one away from us.  Would you like to tell us about what happened to your son? 

(The following are her words, cribbed from her website...  http://www.riverandseasense.com/  and you can find her on Facebook.)

“Chris was the world’s greatest. A lover of life, with an inquisitive and adventurous mind. A legend. He was also my 15 year old son.  On 14th August 2006 Chris drowned at Lligwy Falls, Capel Curig. Whilst Playing with friends – it was the day hell hit home. Chris had played here before, however this weekend a heavy rainfall had created a large waterfall and deep icy whirlpool had formed from rushing water from the top of the mountains. Exciting and inviting for someone like Chris – the dare, the thrill, the thumbs up and he was gone. He never resurfaced.
A strong, handsome young man, an excellent swimmer, rugby player, leader and a good friend. On this fatal day no one could save him. One of his close friends tried but the current prevailed. After a lengthy search a team of divers retrieved his body at 7.03 that evening.
Precious memories, his gold 3 Welsh feathers necklace which was found with him, a lock of his ebony black hair and some personal effects – all of which now are priceless.
I cried until my tears ran dry, I ached so much I thought I would die, I counted every rainbow that came at a time when I needed him close. I walk to Angel Bay, another of his favourite places to look for my angel and find peace.
Comfort came from my family and close friends with large shoulders to cry on, an amazing Medium named Margaret who gave me strength and hope, many spiritual messages, incredible facts and a deep understanding that touched my very soul. Belief that Chris has moved on to better things.
My aim is to educate school children as to the dangers of water to help prevent this terrible tragedy happening again.  Hence the birth of River And Sea Sense of which to date I have spoken to almost 50,000 schoolchildren in North Wales.
I will never be a proud Mum at his wedding, a mother-in-law or a granny.
I had my son for 15, almost 16 wonderful years, I thank my husband John for that most precious gift. His grief is so silent but his pain is so strong.
Christopher James David Turnbull, you’re the World’s greatest.”

Debbie spoke at length about her commitment  to the River & Sea Sense Initiative... moved by the need to turn her pain into something constructive to commemorate her son's life. I am in awe of her energy and enthusiasm for this project, working many hours, seven days a week, to raise money that will help get the message out to young people, not only in North Wales, but eventually across the country.  She did mention that she's received a letter from the House of Commons, but was too modest to say who it was from, though we can surmise it was from the top man!
Many people who holiday in this beautiful part of the country often don't realise the dangers of sea, mountains, lakes and rivers, especially when they've been brought up in a very different environment and don't have the local knowledge.  Debbie's project will hopefully spread until this information is part of all schools curriculum.