About Heidi

Heidi Wood was a woman of many talents. As well as being a beloved daughter to Roz and Bob Turk, she was a much-loved wife to Paul, a devoted mum to Tom and Millie and a ‘beautiful big sis’ to Mitzi.

She was a caring confidante, a loyal and loving friend, an astute businesswoman and a top sportswoman and swimmer, representing her country at countless championships round the world.

She was a qualified counsellor, a swimming teacher and coach and was in the throes of a psychology degree with the Open University when she became ill.

Heidi wasn’t just ‘a very good swimmer’ she was a World Championship swimmer and a great friend and contemporary of Sharron Davies. Heidi represented Great Britain more than 30 times, swimming alongside Sharron all over the world.

Heidi Wood, Swimmer

Heidi also became a top British pentathlete and represented her country in fencing. As a Masters Swimmer, (a special class of competitive swimming for those aged 25 and over), Heidi won 40 major titles, broke nine European records and six World Records.

Heidi’s father Bob, 76, who helped coach Heidi throughout her early swimming career, said: “You don’t get over losing a son or daughter, whatever their age, but I know Heidi would be so proud of Paul, Tom and Millie for what they’re doing. Heidi’s Heroes is a superb tribute to a fantastic daughter who we miss every day.”