As the tenth anniversary of the death of a talented 22-year-old sailing instructor from Windermere approaches, his family and the recipients of the bursary set up in his memory have paid tribute to his legacy.
Michael Hanlon, known as 'Milo' to his friends in the sailing community, died in a tragic accident working on a luxury yacht off the coast of Antibes in the south of France.
The Milo Hanlon Fund set up in his honour has already paid for 48 young people who would not otherwise be able to enrol in various maritime courses with the UKSA (United Kingdom Sailing Academy) to the tune of over £88,000 to date.
Michael's mum Fiona Hanlon expressed her pride that he continues to live on through the legions of young people whose dreams are fulfilled in his name.
She said: "Michael’s death, at the happiest time of his life, was a shock we'll never recover from.
"Emma Baggett at UKSA immediately suggested a bursary in his memory and that has been a lifeline for me particularly.
"Knowing that his memory lives on with every young recipient keeps the ripples of his life spreading ever wider.
"I can't thank Emma, UKSA and his sailors enough for the comfort that brings and the knowledge that so many youngsters now live Michael’s dream.
"Because I'm in touch with a few of them I get to witness first-hand their excitement and joy in their new careers and that is a real blessing when his sad anniversary comes around."
Fiona fondly recalls how he acquired the moniker of 'Milo'.
She explained: "Milo was his own creation because I told him he couldn't use Michael O’Hanlon - he loved having Irish roots.
"So he changed it to Milo!
"Everyone up here knows him as Michael but UKSA and his sailing friends abroad knew him as Milo because of that."
Michael was born in Manchester but the family moved to Windermere when he was nine.
He attended Windermere Preparatory School, where he was head boy, and was a member of the Royal Windermere Yacht Club.
He was just weeks into working in his 'dream job' as a deckhand on the £65 million superyacht 'Faith’' as part of his degree with UKSA when the tragic accident happened on April 7, 2013, after returning from a night with friends, and attempting to board the yacht, from which he had been locked out.
READ MORE: Sister honours legacy of brother who drowned in south of France tragedy
The exact circumstances around his death remain unclear.
A coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death and wrote to the owner of the vessel, fashion entrepreneur Laurence Stroll, asking him to review his procedures around boat access, working hours, and record keeping.
Michael's death was also instrumental in the implementation of the Red Ensign Code for Seafarers, protects sailors and crew throughout the maritime industry and clarifies that their vessel is their home so should be accessed and protected 24/7.
This was launched in 2019.
The Milo Hanlon fund is set to continue giving young people the opportunity to gain maritime qualifications, with tens of thousands of pounds still yet to be distributed as fundraising continues.
Some funds have been specifically ring-fenced for residents of the Lake District.
One of the key philosophies of the bursary is that any monies granted will be paid back into the scheme by the recipient after qualification.
On the anniversary of his death, UKSA has also paid tribute to Michael’s memory.
A UKSA spokesman said: "Milo was a gifted and talented watersports instructor who excelled at teaching, especially children who loved his energy and sense of fun.
"For the last ten years, the Milo Hanlon Fund has been supporting young people aged 17 to 25 who are keen to gain employment in the maritime industry but have little financial support for training and qualifications.
"This funding has enabled them to follow in Milo’s footsteps and pursue the careers of their dreams.
"UKSA are very grateful to Milo's family and friends who have made this possible and are pleased and proud to send off other young people to start their careers in the maritime industry in Milo’s name."
For more information, or to donate to The Milo Hanlon Fund, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/michaelmilohanlon.
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