Carolyn Jones

The Rowing Service

Last updated January 14th 2002

Carolyn Jones, member of Wallingford Rowing Club (UK), Scottish sculler and GB national squad triallist, was mentioned in the news on September 16th 2001:

Following the freak canyonning accident in Switzerland in which Carolyn was seriously hurt, she was then in Ward 31 of the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh. At first she was in a coma, now moving around more (see below) but still not out of the woods yet. Her parents would appreciate it if any friends or colleagues could drop in and spend a little time talking to her.

People who cannot visit should, if they can, make a cassette tape for Carolyn to listen to through headphones. Tapes should be sent c/o Peter Morrison, 46 Churchill Drive, Bridge of Allan, Stirling FK9 4TJ (or friends who already know the family address may use that).

Trust set up, December 2001 A Trust fund has been set up for Carolyn called the Carolyn Jones Trust. Initially the goal is to raise money to pay for the costs of transporting her back to the UK from Switzerland, as the insurance company is refusing to pay. There is also the possibility that she may need financial help in the future, although of course at the moment there is no way of predicting what and when. The best scenario is obviously that she won't need this, in which case any money in the Trust will be donated to the rehabilitation centre where she is currently staying - and continuing to make progress. Some money has already been raised for the Trust through articles in various sports magazines and through collections at races.

A fund-raising talk from Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who has met Carolyn, entitled "A lifetime of adventure", was originally scheduled to be held on 22nd January in London, but has now been postponed until later in the year. Those who had already sent cheques will be refunded. If you wish to be on the mailing list about the rescheduled lecture please email Ros Boyle.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to Carolyn's Trust should send a cheque made payable to "Carolyn Jones Trust", to Steven Seaton, Carolyn Jones Trust, c/o Runner's World, 7-10 Chandos Street, London, W1G 9AD.

News as of 14th December 2001:

"Carolyn is now settled in the Astley Ainslie and is making some progress although it is slow - it is very much a case of two steps forward and one back. She is confined to a wheelchair. On her 'good' days she appears to be aware of what is going on. She tries to communicate but does not talk - she can indicate her choice by pointing at what is required. She also looks at her cards and pictures and seems to be trying to read them.
We have really appreciated your support at this time and it has been a great comfort to us and would like to wish you all a happy Christmas and a "Guid New Year"
Veronica and Morgan."

News as of 13th November 2001:

"It is now just over two months since Carolyn's accident.
Carolyn is now settled in the Astley Ainslie Hospital in Edinburgh and continues to make progress. She has a team of therapists working with her.
She is very variable and has periods when she appears to be aware of her surroundings but she seems to be frustrated at not being able to communicate with us. She is not able to walk or stand by herself. She can sit propped up in a wheelchair.
The medical staff are unwilling to speculate about how well she will eventually become but progress will be very slow and as the doctor said recently "she will be our guest for many months".
Thanks again to everyone for your support especially to those of you who have been to see her.
Morgan and Veronica"

News as of 13th October 2001:

"Carolyn remains in a coma but she has now got rid of the feeding tube and will swallow yoghurt, soup, mashed vegetables etc when they are fed to her and she drinks through a straw. She is often propped up in a chair.
She has good and bad periods. During the good ones she will sometimes open her eyes and look around her but there is little evidence that she is taking in what she sees. She tries to talk but is mostly unintelligible. During the bad ones she is very restless and does not appear to react at all. Those who have visited her during the good periods take away perhaps too rosy a picture while the reverse is true of those who see her during the bad. The truth is somewhere in the middle.
Our thanks - a very inadequate word - again to all who have visited, written or sent us tapes and emails to be read to her. It is very comforting to know that so many of you are thinking of us all at this time.
Morgan and Veronica Jones."