A very fine celebration of the life of Karen Thomas was held in Copythorne (SO40 2NZ) on Saturday 22 October 2022. Six CUCrC sailors attended, along with Thomas family and friends, plus a crowd of local school and sailing friends of Karen, former Topper squad sailors, and sailors from Karen’s time at Bangor and Birmingham Universities.
Karen Thomas came to Lucy Cavendish College in early 2017 to do a PhD, after qualifying as a physio at Bangor University and converting to a full medical qualification at Birmingham University. She quickly made her presence felt in the Club, proving to be an excellent Training Officer and then a thorough-going Health & Safety Officer. She also helped to organise a memorable BUSA Midlands Area Qualifiers at Grafham Water SC in 2020.
As well as playing a major role in Club administration, she became an enthusiastic team racing squad member, sailing triumphantly on the winning Women’s team against Oxford in 2017, 2018, 2019 – and on the Bronze Medal winning Women’s BUSA team of 2018. She also participated in a good many other events during the time of her PhD studies.
With her degree studies in stroke management complete (post-stroke fatigue is now a recognised medical condition as a result of her work), Karen started on post-doctoral research in addition to her clinical duties at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. She also served as Chair of BUSA for two years and a possible fellowship at Lucy Cavendish College was in the offing.
The world is indeed a poorer place without Karen. The order of service for 22 October appears below. If you knew Karen, please consider supporting one of her favourite charities – as listed in that document.