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Stars throw weight behind ‘Doing it for Dylan’ drive
FEISTY celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has shown his softer side by backing a campaign launched by a grieving Chorley mother.
The TV personality has joined rapper Dizzee Rascal, presenter Jeremy Kyle and X Factor stars in supporting the ‘Doing it for Dylan’ campaign on social networking site Twitter.
They even managed to help the cause trend worldwide by re-tweeting #DoingitforDyan.
The campaign was launched by Beckie Ramsay after the tragic death of her 13-year-old son, Dylan in 2011.
The former Parklands High School pupil drowned at Hill Top Quarry, in Whittle-le-Woods. An inquest is still to be heard in to his death.
Speaking about the celebrity support, Beckie said: “After Dylan died I threw myself into the campaign as I don’t want any other family to have to go through what we have.
“I was literally jumping around the room when I realised that Gordon Ramsay was following me on Twitter.
“We’ve also had support from people like MC Hammer, Ice Cube and Shayne Ward off X Factor.
“Local celebs have been getting involved too - JonJo Kerr who was on X Factor and rugby player Josh Charnley have retweeted us on Twitter.
“My main aim is to make as many people as possible aware about the dangers of swimming in open water and they have millions of followers between them so there’s no better way.”
Beckie, who has been working on a water safety website, has also launched a new Facebook Page called Doing it for Dylan.
She said: “I miss Dylan more than words can say and the campaign gives me something to focus on.
“Dylan really was one in a million and I don’t want any other mother to have to go through this terrible heartache.
“The worst part is seeing my two other children trying to cope.
“My young daughter Annie has written a song for Dylan and says all her birthday wishes are to bring Dylan back.
“It’s heart wrenching.”
The determined mother is now set to be a guest speaker at a Chorley Council event for primary school children and she is meeting with Manchester Fire and Rescue about a water safety campaign they are looking to launch.
“I’ll do anything I can,” she said. “The campaign is Dylan’s legacy.
“It’s clearly too late for him and for us.
“But if what I do only makes one person stop and think before jumping in to open water then it’ll all have been worthwhile.
“There are so many hidden dangers with water and it doesn’t matter how fit you are.
“Dylan was a competent swimmer and athletic, but he died and it’s not just young people either.
“Drowning is a major cause of deaths every year – and that is why I have to keep raising awareness.”
The campaign has also been backed by Britain’s Got Talent Winner, George Sampson as Dylan’s younger brother Stephen attends his dance school in Warrington.
Other celebrities to show their support include members of Union J from X Factor and rappers Lupe Fiasco and Warren G.
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Weather for Chorley
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
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Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
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