Charity set up to enhance water safety in memory of 18-year-old Cory Chilvers who died after kayak capsized in Wiggenhall St Germans

The family of an 18-year-old who died after his kayak capsized in the summer have set up a charity in his memory to raise awareness of water safety.

Cory Chilvers, from Wiggenhall St Germans, died in July after falling into the water at St Germans. Emergency services spent hours at the scene, including a dive team with sonar capabilities, specialist dogs, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and Lowland Search and Rescue.

Months after his death, Cory’s family have set up a charity in his memory - The Norfolk Water Safety Trust.

Cory’s mum Claire Wadham said: “It is my mission for more education in the dangers of water, we need more strategically placed signage and life aids.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up to kick-start the launch of the trust - which aims to raise funds for RNLI lifeboat stations to be placed on public inland waterways.

Claire said: “Cory was not only our beloved son, the best big brother and devoted fiancé to Brianna, he was also so much more to so many people he met in his short life.

“Cory had a wonderful future taken too soon, he had the cheekiest smile and mischievous laugh with the biggest heart for those he loved.

“We have set up Norfolk Water Safety Trust in memory of Cory.

“There needs to be more education on the hidden dangers in our local waterways. There needs to be strategically placed signage and adequate life aids.”

On the GoFundMe, Claire said: “Our beloved Cory was 18 years old, enjoying a hot sunny day in our local waters with friends, and he never came home.

“We’ll never keep youngsters out of the water but it is so important they understand the dangers, how to save themselves or others, the risks you can’t see under the surface and so much more.

“Hopefully we can prevent future families from facing the reality of how dangerous our waterways can be.”

A fundraiser will also be taking place on Cory’s birthday on Saturday, November 30.

The country and western-themed event will take place at Walpole Community Centre in Walpole St Andrew from 7pm-11pm.

Tickets are priced at £20 and there is a limited amount of free children’s tickets available.

There will be music, a bar, a raffle, a hog roast and a children’s buffet and tickets can be purchased via Paypal.

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