THE sister of an 18-year-old man, who drowned after going swimming while under the influence of alcohol, has organised a roller derby fundraiser and awareness event in Cwmbran.
Robert Mansfield died in July 2015 – just days after his birthday – at Pembroke Mill Pond, in Pembrokeshire, following an evening of celebration with friends.
Grace Jones will be staging an event at Cwmbran Stadium on Sunday, September 3, in conjunction with the Royal Life Saving Society’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign.
“The campaign is being held to raise awareness of the risks associated with the consumption of alcohol and drowning,” said Miss Jones, 19, of Morriston, Swansea.
“It is evident that is becoming an increasing issue with the case of Robert Mansfield in 2015 at the Mill Pond in Pembroke.
“On July 26, 2015 just like any other teenager would do Robert went out with his friends to celebrate his 18th birthday.
“They all had quite a bit to drink and later on in the evening Rob decided he was going to go for a swim in the Mill Pond in Pembroke. 
“Unfortunately due to the excessive alcohol and very cold water, Robert drowned in the pond and didn’t come out alive. 
“I have decided to get involved and raise awareness of this issue so that another family doesn’t have to go through what we went through with Rob who was my older brother.”
The teenager added that the sport and its community helped her come to terms with her loss and picked south-east Wales as the location to boost turnout.
“I got in touch with the Royal Life Saving Society a while back to ask them if there was anything I could do in memory of Robert to try and save another life where I couldn’t help him,” she said.“After much discussion it was decided I would host a roller derby charity game to raise money and start an awareness campaign. "I decided to hold a roller derby game to raise money as this has been a big part of my life through the stages of grief.
“The derby community is incredible and everyone is always willing to come together and raise as much money as possible when needed. 
“I have made friends for life through this sport and together they are helping with the cause. 
“The reason for Cwmbran is it is still in Wales, but it is close enough to the border to encourage people from all over the country to come and play.” 
The event will taking place at Cwmbran Stadium on Sunday, September 3 and anyone interested in the event can email Miss Jones on g.s.jones97@googlemail.com.