Emsworth fitness coach Topsy to launch charity in memory of his 'vivacious' late wife Verity

A MUCH-LOVED fitness buff from Emsworth is gearing up to launch a charity in memory of his late wife, who died after a ‘terrible’ headache turned out to be a brain haemorrhage.
George Turner and his late wife, VerityGeorge Turner and his late wife, Verity
George Turner and his late wife, Verity

Innovations Fitness boss George Turner will mark the start-up of Verity's Gift, named after the mother of his five-year-old daughter, on Thursday.

The 48-year-old was devastated when Verity died aged 33 in 2018, a week after being taken to Queen Alexandra Hospital with a bad headache.

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Now the legacy of the popular mum and wife who ‘never stopped smiling’ will live on via a good cause hoping to help others in their time of need.

George Turner and his daughter Harriet. Mr Turner, known by many as Topsy, is launching the charity Verity's Gift in memory of his late wife of the same name. Picture: George TurnerGeorge Turner and his daughter Harriet. Mr Turner, known by many as Topsy, is launching the charity Verity's Gift in memory of his late wife of the same name. Picture: George Turner
George Turner and his daughter Harriet. Mr Turner, known by many as Topsy, is launching the charity Verity's Gift in memory of his late wife of the same name. Picture: George Turner

Verity's Gift's first goal is to raise £100,000 to renovate Emsworth Park's children's play area, a ‘special’ place George and Verity enjoyed with their daughter, Harriet.

‘Verity used to joke about Emsworth Park and called it Colditz because it was run-down,' said George.

‘It's one of the only places Harriet has been able to smile since Verity passed away.

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Verity Turner, the late wife of George Turner, who is known by many as Topsy. Picture: George TurnerVerity Turner, the late wife of George Turner, who is known by many as Topsy. Picture: George Turner
Verity Turner, the late wife of George Turner, who is known by many as Topsy. Picture: George Turner
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‘She was one of life’s givers and the community always played a big part in her life, so this charity will be a way of giving back to it.

‘We don't want to stop at Emsworth Park either – Verity's Gift is going to be the gift that keeps giving and I want to help people who are going through really difficult situations like I did.’

Havant Borough Council has already proffered £65,000 to help the newly-registered charity bring Emsworth Park's renovation to fruition.

Meanwhile donations look set to stream in when George, known by many as Topsy, takes on the Three Peaks Challenge from May 7 to May 9.

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But instead walking up and driving between Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon as most challengers do, he and a group of pals will run up each one – before a gruelling cycle ride to the next.

George said: ‘We're aiming to do this in two days but it’s going to be one hell of a challenge.

‘But it's a challenge I'm happy to go through and I'm sure people are going to get behind us.’

Emsworth community leaders and will gather to mark the launch of Verity's Gift at the Brookfield Hotel in Havant Road 8.30am on Thursday.

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George added: ‘Verity was vivacious, always smiling and even in the week she spent in hospital she made everyone else smile too.

‘To have got to this point as a registered charity in her name is absolutely fantastic.

‘I want her legacy to live on and I want us to grow a good cause everyone is proud of.’

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