Advertisement

Family's Grief As Body Of Triathlete Recovered

Family's Grief As Body Of Triathlete Recovered

Relatives have paid tribute to a triathlete who is thought to have drowned while taking part in a race.

The body of Paul Gallihawk was recovered on Monday at Leybourne Lakes in Kent. He had been missing since a 750m swim at the start of the Ocean Lake Triathlon on Saturday morning.

It is believed the 34-year-old failed to emerge from the water to collect his bicycle for a 14-mile ride.

Mr Gallihawk, from Maidstone, was taking part in his first triathlon - which included a five-mile run - to raise money for King's College Hospital in London which treated his father last year.

Parents Malcolm and Linda and brother Nick said: "Words cannot express how we feel and what Paul meant not only to us but to all of his family and friends.

"Paul was a brilliant son and brother to Nick. He would do anything to help anyone and would always put them first.

"He had such a caring nature and will be sadly missed by all the family, extended family and friends."

His girlfriend, Hayley Wright, said: "Paul and I had been together for five years and he was the most amazing and thoughtful partner.

"He was incredible in every way and he always put others before himself. I loved him to bits and always will."

Friends of Mr Gallihawk said he was a Tottenham Hotspur fan and had recently set up and managed a side called Whitehawks FC.

Race organisers posted on Facebook: "We are shocked by what happened (on Saturday) at the Ocean Lake Triathlon ... our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

Messages were also posted on Mr Gallihawk's JustGiving site.

One wrote: "On behalf of all triathletes who regularly swim in Laybourne Lake. Thoughts and prayers reach out to all those effected."

Another read: "I was racing with you but we never met. You will always be in my thoughts every time I swim at Leybourne Lakes."

Mr Gallihawk's £300 target rose to more than £5,000 as news of his disappearance spread.