Paddle of Light in memory of drowned canoeist

Canoeist Stephen Chapman had been leading a group which included his son when he got into difficulties and drowned at Carnroe Lock in December 2009.

Mr Chapman was head of administration in the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences at the University of Ulster’s Coleraine campus.

He was a senior member of the Causeway Coast Kayak Association (CCKA)and a very experienced canoeist.

As darkness fell last Saturday afternoon, members and friends of the CCKA gathered at the Cutts to take part in a Paddle of Light along the river.

The kayakers played music as they travelled down the river to their destination at Coleraine Marina.

The event was organised as a memorial to Stephen Chapman and another member, John Bacon, who died from cancer recently.

Proceeds from the paddle will be donated to an African charity, which Stephen supported and a cancer charity.

Organiser John Vance said members had been asked to make a voluntary donation and he thanked everyone who took part in the event.