The daughter of a man who tragically died whilst taking part in a swimming race has opened up over how she "misses him every day", as his family have come up with a way to make sure his name is not forgotten. David Grey had been taking part in a 750m race in Swansea Bay on the afternoon of Sunday, August 13, 2023.
Swansea Tri-Sharks, which organised the event, said he slowed during the race and was helped by medics on the beach before South Wales Water Safety Team, acute paramedics, rapid response, air ambulance, police, coastguard, RNLI, volunteers and members of the public all did what they could to help him. Sadly, Mr Grey died aged 72.
Mr Grey had two rare conditions in scleromyxedema, which is a chronic, idiopathic disorder, and a rare but severe complication of scleromyxedema - Dermatoneuro syndrome - which presents with a flu-like prodrome, skin papules, fever, seizures and coma. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.
READ MORE: 'My dad died doing the thing he loved more than anything'
READ MORE:Dad dies after taking part in swimming race
Mr Grey's wife, Elaine Grey, has now organised an event in memory of her late husband at the Village Hotel in Swansea on April 13, featuring a three-course meal, a live band and an auction and raffle. One stand-out auction item is a three-day charter, for up to 11 people, on board luxury motor yacht ‘Lady Tatiana of London’ or 'Lady Alhena of London' in Spain. It will raise money for the lymphoma leukaemia myeloma fund in Wales, which works closely with the haematology department at Singleton Hospital, where Mr Grey received treatment for his conditions.
Mr Grey's daughter, Jayne Grey, from Fforestfach, said: "Grief is something I cannot explain, I miss him every single day, but rather than feel sad all the time, I now think of all the wonderful memories."
Shortly after her father's death Jayne described how her dad was a "very fit man despite his conditions" and how he had been excited about the competition. She said she was in work when she received the call about her dad. "I immediately drove down to The Secret. When I saw the air ambulance, police, paramedics I knew immediately that my father had passed away. I was and still am heartbroken. We all are."
She said at that time how Swansea Trisharks had renamed the event for 2024 as the Dai Grey Swansea Bay Open Water Event. She said they as a family would be competing, with her doing the 3,000 metres and her sister, Debbie, doing the 1,500 metres. "My son Matthew, and my daughters Cerys and Ffion will be doing the 750 metres. It will be an emotional day but also an honour and privilege to compete as a family of swimmers in his memory."
Regarding the April event at the Village Hotel, she said: "It is so important to organise this event not only in memory of my father but to also raise awareness of the charity which is managed entirely by volunteers for patients in the Swansea and surrounding areas for those suffering with lymphoma, leukaemia, myeloma and associated blood diseases.
"The charity work closely with the haematology department at Singleton Hospital where my father received his treatment on a regular basis and all the professionals involved in his care over the last 10 years need recognition. By raising awareness of the charity it will hopefully enable money to be raised to help buy medical equipment and or other services that are not normally provided by the NHS or haematology department at Singleton Hospital, Swansea."
If you wish to purchase tickets to attend the event, you can do so by clicking here. Try WalesOnline Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.
