Note: We received the following letter from Adam’s sister, Tamara, and would like to thank everyone involved in this event for their incredible generosity and support of our mission in Adam’s name.
We lost our son and brother, Adam, on April 15th 2017 just before his 30th birthday when he passed away unexpectedly without any conclusive cause of death. He had been swimming at the time and from everything his friends and our family have read about Shallow Water Blackout we are convinced this is the reason.
Adam was a fish; from age 3 years he swam Olympic size lengths underwater and loved underwater swimming more than regular swimming. He was tiny and we used to worry that his lung capacity would be insufficient but he told us not to worry and continued his way; and swam underwater constantly.
On a trip to China with friends, he raced against a friend underwater for some 20 minutes. His friend then left to take a shower and Adam continued to swim underwater. The pool was not large and the maximum depth was only 1.2 meters. Unfortunately, he did not come out of the pool alive.
Adam’s joy of life, sport and friendship inspired his friends, family and the Worth Old Boys Rugby & Football Club of which he was Captain to organize a charity Memorial Day on the 9th of June this year to raise money for charities in Adam’s name including Shallow Water Blackout Prevention, in order to advance awareness and prevent more senseless death’s like Adam’sThe day comprised of rugby and football matches, children’s games, raffles / auctions with a BBQ and it was a perfect day to all come together to remember Adam. With approximately 150 attending on the day the minute’s applause in celebration of Adam’s life before the teams started play really was an amazing reminder of how much Adam was and continues to be loved. Due to the generosity of those who came and also those who could not but who bought raffle and auction tickets (for fantastic prizes such as holidays to France and Israel, Rugby tickets for England v New Zealand as well as signed sports memorabilia etc.) we managed to raise more than £19,000 ($24,668) – half of which will go to Shallow Water Blackout Prevention. The other half will go to Wooden Spoon, a charity which benefits under-privileged children through Rugby.
Please see photos of the day: www.facebook.com/celebrateadam/
We will be holding this event annually in order to continue Adam’s legacy by coming together in the spirit of comradery through sport and to raise money in his name.
We also will be raising money throughout the year at different events such as the Lucerne Marathon in Switzerland and will keep you updated!
Thanks, and kind regards,
Tamara Braverman