Meet The Team
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Gary Jenkins
TBC
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Hannah Townsend
Deputy Programme Manager
Hannah works for Liberty Leisure Limited at Chilwell Olympia, managing health and safety, training and maintenance. Hannah provides first aid at work training for Broxtowe Borough Council and NPLQ 9th generation lifeguard training.
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Due to a background in competitive swimming and the management of both Bramcote and Kimberley swim schools, Hannah was asked by Liberty Leisure Limited to support Nicola (Owens Mum) in 2017 in how we can make open water safe and educate the community providing knowledge skills and ideas regarding water safety.
Hannah also enjoys scuba diving and is a member of BSAC East midlands Sub Aqua Club,... -
Michelle Jessamine
Committee Member
Owen Jenkins is my nephew.
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Owen is my nephew and my HERO. He was my BFG (big friendly giant) and I loved him like he was my own.
He always stood next to me and put his hand on my shoulder and say "Aunty Shell" in a cheeky voice when he wanted something. I have had a tattoo of his actual hand print containing his ashes on my shoulder so he will always be there standing by my side.
I became an angel to help Owen's legacy live on, to educate others about the dangers of open water and to stop another family having to feel the heartache we have as a family. -
Sophie Johnson-Hill
London born Sophie Johnson-Hill, discovered her love for animation by drawing stickmen on the bottom right-hand corners of boring A4 lined paper when she should probably have been listening at school. She was described as a dreamer throughout her childhood and felt happiest when she was allowed the space to be creative.
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After becoming a mother Sophie’s career path led her back to her core passions of a child’s imagination and following creative instincts. She has worked for many years with hundreds of pre-school and early years children and their families.
At heart, Sophie’s work upholds the message of ‘the i... -
Kate Thurman
Committee Member
We were a huge part of Owens life, we will always be around to support the programme and keep Owen’s memory alive and continue his legacy through water safety.
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Always our HERO. We shared so many memories of the great times.
Every child should know about Open Water and what the dangers are, this programme is unique nothing like it has ever been done in this much depth and context and we are proud to be part of the OWEN programme.
My partner Simon has joined the team as a committee member. -
Abigail Thurman
OWEN programme Ambassador
Owen became my brother Bens Best friend but Owen will always be a big brother to me.
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I became an Owen Angel so that Owen's memory is never forgotten, he was like a big brother to me and I grew up with Owen always there, I have always called him my Big bro. He was funny and always made me laugh, he always looked out for me and let me join in, he never left me out. I am an ambassador for the OWEN programme and will keep telling everyone about Owen and how he is a HERO. -
Della Wright
Committee Member
I joined Owen's Angels for two reasons, firstly because I have always believed that children need educating about open water areas, especially the water area we live close to. The OWEN programme is a fantastic way of learning about this. Secondly Owen put his heart into helping everyone including my son and I want to give something back to his Mum to say Thank you.
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Claire Cope
Committee Member
I am an Owen's Angel because I want to spread awareness to everyone about the dangers of open water and how to be safe. I've known Nicola (Owen's mum) since we were teenagers. I watched Owen grow up to become a wonderful HERO. His story and legacy will always live on. My son Tyler is the official photographer for OWEN Open Water Education Network and has captured some truly beautiful moments from past events and will continue to do so.
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Leanne Aherne
Committee Member
3 years ago I met old and new friends who became my Angel family, through the tragic and heartbreaking loss of our hero Owen Jenkins. I never knew Owen personally, but when I got the news, I felt I had to help in the search to find him. I was brought up in the Rylands, Owen's aunty Michelle was my babysitter as a child and always looked out for me. After the long search and devastating news of that horrific night, I couldn't let go and spent every night lighting candles for Owen so he wasn't in the dark and kept him company. Time passed and Nicola Owen's mum found out who was lighting the candles and started calling me owens light lady. Ever...
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Sophie Wright
Committee Member
I joined Owens angels because I believe that teaching everyone about the dangers of open water is very important, everyone should be educated on how to keep safe especially children. OWEN engages the children, educating them in the way that helps them to understand the dangers and be more aware.
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Simon Bentley
Although I never met Owen physically, I can see how much he was a big part of Kate, Ben and Abigail’s lives. I enjoy being part of the fundraising side and I am always happy to dress up and make people smile. I want to support Gary and Nicola in raising awareness around open water safety.
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Ben Thurman
Owen will always be my best friend.
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I became an Ambassador to help me come to terms with losing MY best friend and support Nicola, Owens mum with this as well. The Owen Programme is a worthwhile cause to stop this tragedy happening to others. It has given me and Nicola a purpose in life to keep his memory alive.
