Hero’s daughter enjoys ’emotional moment’ in memory of her dad
The daughter of a heroic firefighter, who tragically took his own life after attending the most horrific crash in Cornwall's history, has taken up rowing in his memory. Richard Bobek was among the first fire crew to arrive at the scene at Castle-An-Dinas near Newquay, where he was met with an unimaginable scene of devastation. Two weeks before Christmas[1], the arm of a poorly secured digger on a low-loader lorry swung out into the path of oncoming cars, decapitating five people, including young children, and leaving three others with serious injuries.
The worst road traffic accident in Cornish history occurred in December 1995 on a B road off the A39 between St Columb and the landmark hillfort. Around 10 ambulances, several fire crews and police were called to the crash, with many of those who attended requiring counselling for the trauma they experienced that day. Richard, a builder and father of two young girls at the time, struggled with what he had witnessed and dealt with that day, so much so that the 41 year old was admitted to St Lawrence's psychiatric hospital in Bodmin where he tragically took his own life a few days later.
Last year, marking 30 years since his death, Richard was remembered by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and some of the firefighters who knew him and were also present on that dreadful day. His daughter Celina Armstrong revealed her father had been passionate about gig rowing from a young age and was a member of both Padstow and Port Isaac rowing clubs. She explained he adored the sport so much that he competed in regattas across Cornwall and even took part in the renowned World Pilot Gig Championships in the Isles of Scilly, reports Cornwall Live[2].
Richard also took on the Great River Race in London back in 1993. "After his death the two clubs would race in his memory," Celina said. "I never got the chance to see it because it upset me too much. My dad got me into rowing and I became a junior rower for both clubs.
After his death I couldn't row anymore, it was too upsetting." Celina explained it was only following her father's memorial service last summer that she began considering returning to rowing. "After 28 years I found myself back in a gig," Celina told us.
Retired firefighters who worked with Richard Bobek before his death after the Castle-An-Dinas crash in 1995 remembered him at a special ceremony in August 2024 (Image: Celina Armstrong)"This led me to find my dad's trophy at Padstow rowing club which were donated by St Columb firefighters which I never knew existed." On Friday 22nd August, Padstow rowing club organised Richard's memorial trophy with Rock and Port Isaac rowing clubs taking part.
St Columb Major and Padstow firefighters were also welcomed to attend Richard's race. Celina added: "It was a fantastic evening with six gigs on the water. Before racing, all the oars were raised in a paddle lift for a one minute silence for my dad.
It was an emotional moment. "The race started near the iron bridge and finished by Padstow harbour. I rowed in 'Corsair' from Port Isaac, my sister Anja rowed in 'Sandy' from Rock and my dad's friend Jim rowed in 'Petroc' from Padstow.
Petroc won the race followed closely by Corsair in second place. After the race we had speeches followed by my family presenting my dad's trophy to the winning team from Petroc." Celina revealed the evening continued with live music from St Dennis ukulele band who donated their fees to the firefighters' charity.
She continued: "They were brilliant and everyone was dancing. We had a bar, BBQ and cakes and all the proceeds went to the firefighters charity. Padstow rowing club raised an amazing GBP665 for the charity.
"It was such a wonderful evening for my dad and I can't thank Padstow rowing club enough. The club has been so amazing and supportive. I thank Rock and Port Isaac rowing club for attending and both St Columb and Padstow fire brigade.
"Last year my dad was remembered in St Columb community for his unveiling ceremony and this year he has been remembered in the Padstow community."
Padstow rowing club held a memorial gig race in memory of former member, Richard Bobek, a firefighter who was among the first fire crew to reach the scene at Castle-An-Dinas near Newquay in December 1995, Cornwall's most horrific road crash (Image: Celina Armstrong)She revealed the club will be hosting her dad's memorial trophy again next year. "I can't wait," Celina said.
"It has really helped me to enjoy my rowing again and I know my dad is part of this club in spirit."
References
- ^ Christmas (www.devonlive.com)
- ^ Cornwall Live (www.cornwalllive.com)