EMMA SOLLEY | STUDIO

It’s hard to put into words what this weekend has become.
Back in 2009, we lost a sibling, my beautiful little sister-in-law and our best friend, Jess.
To honour Jess’s memory, my amazing mother-in-law created an annual surf competition here in Polzeath, raising money for @waveprojectcornwall.
What began as a way of remembering Jess grew into something so much bigger, with the whole village getting behind it and making it part of the fabric of our community.
This year, there was more love than ever.
Multiple generations came together and surfed across all the different categories and heats, little ones just finding their feet on a board, through to those who have been surfing forever. Friends, families and people who have known and loved Jess all gathered on the beach and the cliffs, sharing laughter, memories and catching up at the end of the busy season.
The love and sense of community that filled the day is almost impossible to put into words. What started from such an unimaginable loss has become a beautiful celebration of life, friendship, family and everything Jess meant to so many people.
Fifteen years on, her memory is still bringing people together, still creating something wonderful, and still making a difference.
For Jess. Always. 🤍🌊