The Dorset town of Sherborne will be specially dressed today in honour of double Olympic medallist Andrew Simpson’s memorial service.

The funeral service for Olympic gold and silver
medallist and America’s Cup sailor Andrew Simpson will be held at Sherborne Abbey today at 1pm, followed by a celebration of Andrew’s life at Sherborne Castle.

Many leading figures from the world of sailing are expected to attend.

Andrew James Simpson MBE tragically passed away, aged 36, on 9
May 2013 in San Francisco. He was a devoted husband, adored daddy, son,
brother and friend to so many whose lives he touched.

Nicknamed Bart, the sailing star lived in Sherborne with his wife Leah and two young sons Freddie and Hamish. Andrew had been granted the Freedom of Sherborne in honour of his achievements.

Guests to today’s events are requested to bring any photos they may have of Andrew to be
placed on a memory wall for people to share, and his family to treasure.

Please remember for those attending today, all parking is at Sherborne Castle. There well be buses to the Abbey.

People are gathering in the Half Moon (opposite the Abbey) prior to the service, all are welcome.

A sailing charity in Bart’s memory

Family flowers only are requested for the funeral – donations are
instead welcome towards a sailing charity to benefit children which will
be set up in Andrew’s memory.

Cheques should be payable to ‘Peter
Jackson Funeral Services Charity’ and sent to:

Peter Jackson Funeral Services, Mons Bungalow, High Street, Henstridge, Templecombe, Somerset, BA8 0RB

Please write ‘Simpson’ on the reverse of the cheque or enclose a covering note.

Alternatively, donations can be made via bank transfer (whether from the UK or overseas) to:

Lloyds TSB Bank, Sort code: 30-90-92, Account No: 00965801

Account Name: Peter Jackson Funeral Services Charity

Swift/BIC: LOYDGB21343

IBAN: GB82 LOYD 3090 9200 9658 01

Please reference transfers with the word ‘Simpson’

Further information on the service will be available at the Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson Memorial Service Facebook site.

Follow @ASimpsonTribute on Twitter