Laurence’s partner had been due to join him for a holiday, but instead she flew out to retrieve his body
Laurence Higham died while paragliding in South Africa
The mother of a UK paraglider who died in a devastating accident in South Africa has paid tribute to her much-loved son and said the thought of him flying free brings his family comfort. Laurence Higham, 55, crashed in the mountains near Porterville in the Western Cape on the last day of an advanced paragliding event
A fellow paraglider scaled a high mountain ridge, clambering through rocks, thorns and thickets to find him. A rescue helicopter also arrived but it was too late. Laurence’s partner Victoria Turner had been due to join him for a holiday, but instead she flew out to retrieve his body.
His mother Lesley said: “Laurence was our light and inspiration. He was a highly experienced paraglider pilot and always very well prepared. His adventures and flying trips were planned meticulously. He wanted to develop and challenge himself. He was a pioneer.
“He got the most out of life in every way. Everything was an adventure. That is what I will take from his life. Our enduring desire is for him to ‘fly free’ without earthly constraints.”
Laurence spent most of his childhood in Stortford, Hertfordshire, and read business studies at Middlesex University before attending the University of California. When he returned to the UK he settled in Muswell Hill, north London.
His parents had run a travel company for schools and this inspired him to set up his own successful business, Varsity Travel Ltd, which ran European courses in languages, history and art.
Fluent in French, Spanish and Italian, he enjoyed history and philosophy. He was also a cook who delighted in creating feasts for friends and family, inspired by his travels.
When the Covid-19 pandemic began, he decided that the time was right to move out of London and return home to Stortford.
He started a new phase of life with partner Victoria and divided his time between his home and Victoria’s house in Norfolk.
Lesley said: “Laurence was very funny. He lit up any room. He was incredibly entertaining, but I knew of a side that was very contemplative, studious and curious about the world around him. He was very well read.”
Laurence and his brother Richard, four years his junior, were inseparable and Lesley said the tragedy had left her younger son absolutely devastated. “I told him to take Laurence’s courage and his sense of adventure to strengthen his heart, not break it,” Lesley said.
She added he was a “hugely fun, devoted and inspiring” uncle to his brother’s children Deen and Katherine. Laurence, a previously fearsome squash player, was a long-term member of Bishop’s Stortford Lawn Tennis Club.
Manager Natalie Dwyer said: “Laurence was a fantastic club member and will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of meeting and playing with him. He would light up the court with his positive attitude and gregarious nature. Win or lose, Laurence was always smiling and showed a love for the sport. He will be sadly missed by everyone at the club.”
Laurence’s family and friends said goodbye at a funeral service at St Michael’s Church, in Broome, Norfolk, last week, which celebrated his thirst for adventure and how he lived for the joy of exploring a beautiful world. Lesley said the family was deeply grateful for the wonderful and inspiring life of their darling boy, adding: “Fly free, beloved Laurence.”
They have asked for donations to the RSPCA in his memory, which can be made by visiting https://laurencehigham.muchloved.com/.
In South Africa an investigation into the circumstances of his death continues and an inquest is expected to take place in due course.