A FORMER Metropolitan police officer who went on to transform Cornwall's support for the homeless and the fortunes of youth rugby in Penryn has died at the age of 74.

Dr Glyn Tedstone lived in Falmouth and was heavily involved with Penryn Rugby Club, where his family and friends will gather to celebrate his life following his funeral next week.

Glyn, a former Welsh Valley police officer and detective in the Metropolitan Police, had been invited to work in Cornwall in 1986 by the late Bishop of Truro Peter Mumford, following his social work projects in the West Midlands.

He settled with his family in Falmouth and, after training as a psychologist, Glyn was invited to help guide new initiatives and restructure both the healthcare services and support networks for the socially deprived and homeless people of Cornwall.

In re-establishing the Falmouth YMCA, as a founder of the St Petrocs Homeless Society and with support from the Duchy Of Cornwall, Glyn created many small community projects generating more than 100 local jobs in the Falmouth and Redruth area.

Glyn’s efforts and successes were recognised by the Queen in 1995 when he was made an MBE.

Falmouth Packet:

Glyn Tedstone collecting his MBE in 1995

As a psychologist, Glyn continued to travel around the world working to help companies, whilst still also making a difference to local families and individuals.

His family said: "He would listen to and make time for anyone."

Glyn also played a pivotal role as youth coach of Penryn Rugby Club and later as vice chairman.

After a couple of seasons involved with Penryn, Glyn became chairman of the mini/junior section helping to run and organise the whole mini/junior section tours of Wales and Bristol - on numerous seasons playing fixtures against Blackwood Rugby Club, in Glyn’s home town.

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In the 2000/2001 season Glyn told the players, who at that age were under 13s, that if they stayed together until colts they would have a free tour to South Africa.

In August 2004 he fulfilled that promise and the team went on a 12-day tour of South Africa - something that will live long in the hearts and minds of all involved.

Alongside others, Glyn helped fundraise the entire amount needed to fund the tour and all the players' kit.

His family said: "Glyn was always incredibly proud of the boys and always enjoyed his time with them travelling the country on away games."

Falmouth Packet:

Glyn with his close friends at Penryn Rugby Club

The added: "In his own words Glyn was a ‘man's man’ and would often downplay his achievements, all except one - his family, of which were unmatched."

His legacy lives on in his wife Sharon, children Anne, Andrew, Rachel and Gareth, and grandchildren Lydia, Ethan and Iris.

Glyn's family and close friends will celebrate his life at Penmount Crematorium in Truro on Thursday, October 8, with the private service also due to be broadcast outside the main chapel.

Due the ongoing coronavirus restrictions affecting funerals, people are also encouraged to pay their respects during a brief tour of Falmouth and Penryn to include important locations in Glyn's life.

The hearse will be leaving Railway Cottages at 11am, passing King Charles School, The Boslowick Inn and Penryn Rugby Club.

Celebrations of Glyn’s life will then continue at Penryn RFC from 2pm, after the funeral.

The rugby club has also paid tribute on its website, saying: "Glyn held Penryn RFC very close to his heart and was extremely proud and optimistic about the future of the club.

"He always said with rugby you can walk into any club around the world and have a friend, and he lived his life that way."