Canoe coach was a true inspiration

TRIBUTES have been paid to an award-winning canoeing coach who died on holiday in Madeira.

Ruth Holdway, secretary of Trentham Watersports Association (TWA), died on Sunday after a fall during a walking break on the island.

Miss Holdway, aged 29, of Stone Road, Trentham, was a popular figure within Staffordshire's watersports community.

She helped introduce hundreds of youngsters, including many disabled children, to canoeing as a community sports coach at both Trentham and Stafford and Stone Canoe Club.

Ruth had also helped raise £350,000 for the TWA's new boathouse at Trentham Gardens, which opened in September.

Darren Barton, pictured, coach at Trentham Boat Club, which also uses the boathouse, said: "I've known Ruth for four years, and while we didn't get on at first, she has been a real inspiration, not just for people at Trentham but for everybody she worked with.

"While other people were involved in the boathouse, she was the main driving force behind it. She did more to make sure it was built than most people will know.

"Ruth kept me on my toes as well, and made me better at what I do."

Ruth was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease, a form of cancer, at the age of 23, but did not let that prevent her from leading an active life.

In 2004, she raised £15,000 for three cancer charities by organising a world record 24-hour canoe polo match.

Two years later, she helped set up Trentham Canoe Club, which now has more than 70 members.

At the 2007 City of Stoke-on-Trent Sports Personality of the Year Awards, Ruth collected the Sport in the Community award on behalf of the TWA.

Last year, she received the professional community coach award at the Canoe England Volunteer Awards.

Councillor Derek Capey, cabinet member for sport and leisure at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "I knew Ruth personally, and on behalf of the city council, I extend our sympathy to her family and friends.

"Ruth was a dedicated canoeing coach and worked with many schoolchildren.

"In the last five years, she created many opportunities for disabled children to learn more about watersports at Trentham Gardens. She was the Trentham Watersports Association secretary and she worked tirelessly in raising funds for the new boathouse that was opened in September this year.

"She was a great part of the sporting community in Stoke-on-Trent and she will be sadly missed."

Ruth had worked for the British Canoe Union (BCU) since April 2005 and had recently become a disability officer for the organisation.

A spokesman for the BCU said: "Ruth was instrumental in introducing hundreds of young people to canoeing in the area.

"Her determination, drive and sheer commitment has resulted in the development of a new club house at Trentham. Without Ruth's fund-raising and marketing skills this would still be on the drawing board.

"Our thoughts are with Ruth's family, friends, colleagues and fellow paddlers at this most difficult time."

A spokesman for the Foreign Office said: "We can confirm the death of a British national in Madeira. Consular staff are providing assistance to her family."