by Karen Tonge MBE
Paul won bronze in Men’s Class 1 singles at the London 2012 Paralympic Games and was Men’s Class 1 European Team Champion in 2013 with Rob Davies.
Deborah accompanied Paul to all his international competitions and was a valued member of the Great Britain Team. In Rio de Janeiro, she was a great help to all the team with her kindness, good humour and enthusiastic support of all the athletes.
Gorazd Vecko, Great Britain Performance Director and one of his predecessors Dave Hewitt have both paid tribute to Deborah as a much respected team member, who contributed greatly to the overall team ethos.
The sentiments have also been echoed by Philip Lewis MBE and John Jenkins MBE, the President and Vice President of the British Paralympic Association and all at UK Sport.
Our deep sympathy and condolences go to Paul and his family.
A funeral service for Deborah will be held at 2.30pm on Thursday 6th October.