Tributes paid to founder of Bristol Hawks Gymnastics Club, Michael May
The club say his 'kindness, compassion and bravery will forever be remembered by his loved ones and our extended gym family' after his passing at the age of 90
Tributes have been paid to the man who the 'inspirational' man who founded the Bristol Hawks Gymnastics Club.
Michael May, alongside his wife Elaine, set up the club back in 1992, with a tribute to him on social media adding their hard work and expertise was 'crucial' to their success.
The club also inspired people to go on to greatness at national an international level - including Bristol's very own Commonwealth team champion - Claudia Fragapane.
In a statement, she said: "Thank you for everything without you I wouldn’t have been able to achieve my dreams.
"I’ll forever remember us working in the fitness gym! Your on the bike always being active and I was either training or in the workout gym.
"Always use to think “I want to have your fitness mentality” You kept me motivated and you are the heart of Bristol Hawks and I am so greatful I got to share wonderful memories with you.
"You will be missed but forever in our hearts."
In a statement on their social media, and on a fundraising page in his memory, the team have paid tribute, saying they owe 'everything' to his legacy.
They added: "In loving memory of Michael May 1933-2023.
"A beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He lived a long and fulfilling life surrounded by family and love. Alongside his wife Elaine May, Bristol Hawks Gymnastics was born. Starting out in Seaton, he ran a successful family business for over 50 years in partnership with his father Arthur.
!His election as independent county councillor in Devon allowed him to support and offer insight to the community. Together with Elaine they developed Hawkeshyde Motel and Leisure centre where the original ‘Hawks’ gymnastics club was created.
"They moved to Bristol in 1987 to concentrate their efforts in gymnastics alongside their children calling it home ever since. A week away from opening, a devastating fire struck and they saw the building they had invested their efforts and finances in burn to the ground.
"Their tenacity and ability to seek out the positives enabled them to re-build and Bristol Hawks rose from the ashes. Their hard work and expertise was crucial to Bristol Hawks success and the club has gone from strength to strength under their guidance over the years. The May family provides countless opportunities for people in Bristol and the wider area as they’d set out to achieve.
"Mikes professional background in civil engineering gave him the skills and technical abilities in conceiving the conversion of an old co-op building into a state of the art gymnastics centre that would support the family business.
"United as a family, re-grouping, re-designing and improving upon the original concept after the fire was both brave and inspired. We owe everything to Mike and would not be where we are today without him. His kindness, compassion and bravery will forever be remembered by his loved ones and our extended gym family."
A fundraiser has been launched for Dementia UK in his memory - which you can find out more on this webpage.