THE LIFE of an amazing and selfless Mathry woman was celebrated last Saturday, as a new rowing boat was launched in her name.

Nicky Charlesworth was a much-loved member of Fishguard and Goodwick's Jemima rowing club, joining shortly after she moved to north Pembrokeshire in 2010.

She was an integral part of the club and raced with them regularly, only stopping six months before she lost her battle with cancer in 2013.

Described by her husband Ed as an "amazing, selfless woman who was always working tirelessly for charity with incredible positivity and energy", Nicky was involved in the community and was one of the team who set up Fishguard's Transition Café.

Before she moved to Pembrokeshire she helped establish several charity shops to support Great Oaks Dean Forest Hospice.

In Nicky's memory Ed set up a crowdfunding appeal to buy Fishguard and Goodwick Rowing Club a double coastal sculling boat.

Thanks to generous donations from family and friends £5,480 was raised; enough for the boat, oars and a new boat rack.

Many of Nicky's family and friends were present to see the boat launch on her maiden voyage from Lowertown on Saturday evening, crewed by Ed and rowing club member Jerry Owen.

"It is a great legacy," said Ed. "I wanted to do something tangible in her memory. I knew the rowing club was keen to get one of these boats so I set up a fund.

"She would be so thrilled. People of all ages are going to have such fun, it's a great thing."

Rowing club race coach, Martha Owen, added:

"Nicky loved rowing and everyone loved her.

"We were overwhelmed by the generosity of her friends and family. This is a new class of boat and will feature in next year's youth Olympics. We already have three members competing at world championship level. This gives us in Fishguard the chance to get up there."