A NEW tribute has been launched to keep Olympian Andrew Simpson’s memory alive for his sons.

Friends of the late sailor have started The Bart Project to create an online archive of pictures and stories.

They have urged people to share their photos and memories of the champion yachtsman for his sons Freddie, two, and seven-month-old Hamish. Jez Edwards, who is among those behind the project, said on the project website: “Andy was a big man who made a big impact.

“His tragic death has left a hole in many people’s lives. All who knew Andy though, will agree that the greatest loss is to his family.

“Everyone knows how devoted Andy was to Leah, Freddie and Hamish; how they fulfilled him totally and how dedicated he was to them.

“Although he may be gone, those who he left behind have the opportunity to do something special to ensure that his boys grow up with as full a picture of their Dad as possible.

“We know that would mean the world to him.”

Mr Simpson, 36, was nicknamed ‘Bart’ after the Bart Simpson cartoon character.

He won gold and silver medals with sailing partner Iain Percy at the Bejing and London Olympics. He became a well known figure at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

Mr Simpson died in an accident on May 9 while training to compete in the Americas Cup off San Francisco. His wife Leah lives in Sherborne with their two boys. People are asked to upload pictures, videos and stories to the website in Mr Simpson’s memory.

Organisers of the project say it doesn’t matter whether people are friends, fans, colleagues or members of the public who met Mr Simpson. They say that all photos, videos, stories, anecdotes and memories are welcome no matter how insignificant they may seem. People are invited to contribute even if they go somewhere which triggers a memory about Mr Simpson.

Anyone who wants to help can click on buttons on the website to contribute as many times as they wish.

All of the information and files will be used to create edited films, books and soundtracks to ensure that Mr Simpson stays in his sons’ lives and so they can know as much about him as possible.Visit thebartproject.com, follow @thebartproject on Twitter or go to facebook.com/thebartproject to contribute.

  • GUESTS were first asked to take along pictures of Mr Simpson for a memory wall for his funeral in Sherborne.

There was a funeral at Sherborne Abbey followed by a celebration of his life at Sherborne Castle.

A children’s sailing charity is also being set up in Mr Simpson’s memory.

Mr Simpson won gold at the Beijing Games in 2008 and silver at the London 2012 races held off Weymouth and Portland with Iain Percy.