Yellowave founder dies suddenly at Shoreham home (From The Argus)

Yellowave founder dies suddenly at Shoreham home

11:30am Sunday 14th October 2012 in News By Tim Ridgway, Local government reporter

Yellowave founder dies suddenly at Shoreham home

Tributes have been paid to a man who founded a “unique” seafront sporting attraction. 

Alan Randall, of Yellowave in Madeira Drive, Brighton, died at his home in Shoreham on Wednesday.

The 66-year-old, who was praised as “generous” and “full of passion”, had previously run hospitals in both East and West Sussex.

Yesterday staff at the first purpose built beach sports centre in the country were shocked at news of his sudden death.

A statement from the team at Yellowave said: “Without Alan, Yellowave would not have been the success story it is.

“Alan was full of drive and passion and knew exactly what the business and Brighton and Hove needed to appeal to people of all ages.

“His death has come as a huge shock and everyone at Yellowave will miss him terribly.”

After growing up in Northamptonshire, Mr Randall joined Brighton Health Authority before becoming chief executive of the trust running Worthing Hospital and Southlands Hospital in Shoreham.

During his time, he oversaw a multi-million pound rebuild at Worthing. His final posting was at Eastbourne where the NHS asked him to carry out improvements before he retired ten years ago.

In 2007, after five years of development, he set up Yellowave with his daughter Katie and son-in- law Spencer Mintram. It quickly became a place for international tournaments as well as boosting the profile of the sport in the community.

Mr Randall was also a ranger for Sustrans, the cycle route charity, and was a regular at Adur Indoor Bowling Club in Southwick. He was a keen walker, who had completed several long-distance trails, and an ardent supporter of Eastbourne Borough Football Club.

Adam Bates, the head of tourism and leisure at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “Alan made a wonderful contribution to the city and the seafront, creating something unique of which the city is very proud.

“Alan was always a passionate advocate for the seafront and was keen to see it improve and in Yel- lowave he has an incredible legacy.”

Send your tributes to Mr Randall to tim.ridgway@theargus.co.uk.