It is with sadness and regret we announce the sudden death of Paul Baldwin who was former youth chairman at Blackheath RFC. A lot of you will know him. He was always upbeat, positive, and enthusiastic . On and off the field. He volunteered for all sorts and apart from coaching youth, would run the BBQ, ref games, and help anyone who needed it. Paul and Louise were the backbone of the youth at Blackheath for many years.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He is survived by wife Louise, his sons James, Joseph and Dominic.

The funeral details are below, and everyone is most welcome to attend.

Friday 29th August – 9.45am at St Mary’s (Our Lady Help of Christians) RC Church, Cresswell Park, Blackheath, London SE3 9RD Please allow plenty of time for travel too and parking in Blackheath as the local area can be busy. There are limited spaces in Cresswell Park and behind the church. Additional pay and display parking is at Blackheath Station, Hurren Close off Baizdon Road,SE3 9LE or at Blackheath Grove near the post office.5 mins walk from each. If people need to stay over the night before please get in touch, and I can give you options.

The mass will be followed by cremation at Hither Green Crematorium, Verdant Lane, SE6 1TP at 11.30am.

You are then invited to join us at Blackheath Rugby Club (Rectory Field), Charlton Road, Blackheath, London SE3 8SR to celebrate Paul’s life and our different future ahead. For family or friends that would prefer not to attend the cremation, you are more than welcome to go straight to the rugby club where we will join you soon after.

Flowers are welcome, however the more I have learnt about stroke, knowing the signs, its causes and risks, prevalence and its complications in younger people, has frightened and staggered me. Paul was only 52. I, James, Joseph and Dominic therefore think it appropriate that donations are sent to the charity that campaigns for better awareness, prevention and treatment. This is a charity our family will be getting involved with in the future.

Donations should be forwarded to http://www.stroke.org.uk/donation Please click the ‘in memory’ tab as this will be Paul’s place to add his mark of support too.

Please do take time out to look at their website http://www.stroke.org.uk/home and in particular the areas on prevention, such as regularly getting your blood pressure checked.

The funeral directors details are W. Uden & Sons, 51 – 53 Passey Place, Eltham, SE9 5DA. 020 8850 2868 Florists should contact Matthew to check what time flowers should be with them by.

It would be preferred that black dress is kept to a minimum, as they something bright and positive to come out of all this, as that has to happen and is what Paul would want.