Community rallies to support Brixham fisherman after tragic loss of partner

The family of a local fisherman who tragically lost his partner earlier this month have launched a fundraiser to support him in the coming months.

Rod Sedman, known to many in Brixham as “Big Rod” for his flat cap and long career in fishing, lost his partner Lyn Anthistle, 69, on 21 January when she was struck by a lorry on Brewery Lane. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lyn’s daughter, Mary-Anne Allwood, who runs a vegetable shop on Fore Street, described her mother as “such a kind-hearted, down-to-earth woman who would take time and care to listen and help others. We, as a family, are totally broken and it still does not feel real that she has been taken in such tragic circumstances.”

Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the collision. Anyone with information or dash-cam footage is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police via their website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 50260017218.

Rod, a retired fisherman with more than 50 years experience who spent time aboard the Barrentzea BM361 and the Magdalena, is now living alone on a minimal pension and relies on daily assistance that Lyn previously provided. He also has severe COPD, making everyday tasks more difficult.

A local fundraiser, Charlie Mariee, has set up a GoFundMe to help cover living expenses such as rent, shopping, bills, and even occasional days out.

He said: “I know personally there are lots of people who know Rod, especially those who are in the fishing industry, he’s probably bought all of you a good few pints over the years...

"Mary had done so much to help others in this town, whenever there has been a crisis she had always been the first to help.

"Now it's our turn to help someone that means a lot to her, her dad. Every penny raised will go directly to Rod.”

Charlie emphasised that the fundraising is not for funeral costs, which the family already have in hand, but purely to support Rod moving forward.

The GoFundMe campaign has currently raised £765 of a £1,000 target.

The fundraiser can be found online, click HERE.