I have named my boat "Rita" after my Mum, Dorothy Margaret, always affectionately known by everyone as Rita.

Mum was a terrific lady who always saw the good in everyone and never once had a bad word to say about anybody.

She was tragically taken from us at the age of 43, but her legacy still lives on after 27 years since her untimely death.

On visits back home to Swansea my brother and sisters are always called Rita's boys or Rita's girls. Never by the names they were given. People always talk about her with love and many fond memories.

Many people who were pupils at Cwm Glas Infants and Junior School in Swansea still remember her, as Mum was a School Dinner Lady and playground supervisor who always had an endless pocket of sweets that she used to give out to the children.

She was always there for a hug and kind words if anybody tripped or fell at playtime. Never once can I remember or recall her not having time for the children under her supervision.

Apart from being a good Mum and friend to all who knew her she had a wicked sense of humour, and was always there to help or give advice. The kitchen door was always open and a pot of tea on the go for anyone who called at home.

Mum loved her family and sometimes it seemed as though we had an extended one, as friends of my brother and sisters would call to see her just to pass the time of day and have one of her cakes with a cup of tea or glass of pop.

She was a very special woman who is greatly missed and loved. I know she still watches over us all, and hope she is watching over me as I take this intrepid journey.