This Is Cheshire

A BROKEN-hearted mum has spoken of her pride as she prepares to cremate her beloved son, who died sa

From the Guardian Series, first published Thursday 19th Aug 2004.

Peter Cannon, aged 28, originally from Newton, dived into a river in Kendal, Cumbria, when the child chased an inflatable toy into the water and got into difficulties.

Fast flowing currents that had worsened due to torrential rain and the water's icy temperature, over-powered Mr Cannon, who was a strong swimmer.

Peter died later in the intensive care unit of Furness General Hospital, in Barrow-in-Furness, on August 9, surrounded by his devastated family.

His mum, Gaynor Lynn Cannon, of Cholmley Drive, Newton, who had Peter as a single parent when she was 19, said: "I was proud when he was born and I was proud of him when he died."

She described her son as a quiet, good-hearted man who loved being outside. He had moved to the Lake District because of his job as a forester and lived with his girlfriend and her three children.

On the day he died they had taken the children and a friend's son, Alfie Tallon, for a picnic at a popular beauty spot. It was little Alfie whom Peter gave his life to save.

Since the tragedy, his family, including grandmother Nancy Cannon, of Vista Road, and his two sisters, Vicky and Charlene Kennerly, aged 17 and 22, have visited the river with flowers and they hope to fix a permanent memorial.

His funeral is today, Thursday, in St John's Church, Earlestown, where he had been baptised, and will be followed by cremation at Walton and a get-together in the Kirkfield Hotel. Peter's ashes will be placed in a vault near to his grandfather's, Jack Cannon.

At the funeral three cousins and Peter's uncle will bear the coffin into church and two of his favourite songs, Gangster's Paradise by Coolio and I'll be missing you by Puff Daddy, will be played.

His sisters and mum have all written letters to Peter, which have been sealed inside his coffin along with a poster of rapper Tupac.

Gaynor said: "He looked so peaceful in the chapel of rest. When he was a baby I used to stroke his eyes to get him to sleep and I did the same last night when I visited him there. I'm just glad to know that he is with his granddad now."

Her partner of 16 years, Alan Lloyd, paid tribute to Peter's courage. He said: "He's a hero and a brave lad. It was a tragic accident and I never thought we'd say goodbye like this."

MAN DIES SAVING BOY, 6

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