This is something that Dad wrote some time ago which chronicles his life, particularly his passion for sport on two wheels and on court.
Born Romford Essex in April 1944, was then evacuated to Newcastle to avoid the doodlebugs (V1s). Joined my first cycling club in 1960 (Easterley Road Club) after being seen by Rory O’ Brien (local bike shop owner) trying to sort out a rear gear out side his house, my parents had just moved in across the road. My first club run was over a 100 miles, started racing in September 1961 with a 25 Mile time trial (1.10.41) then road mainly TT and the odd road race with spectacular poor results!!, but liked posing with sprints on wheel carriers while riding out to events. A cycling coach then advised that Badminton was a good winter sport to help keep fit during the social season, that then progressed to league matches and coaching badges, mixed with cycling and racing. In 1971 we moved out to Ardley Nr Bicester, and then to Steeple Claydon. I was then playing for badminton clubs in Banbury and Bicester and riding to work all year round, and riding TT at weekends. I joined a local club (A5 Rangers) in the early 80s for a season or two, but with 2 children I was just soon only riding to work with the odd knock on a badminton court. When I was 40 I learnt to ski, and 22 years later I still am learning. In the early 90’s, I leant to sail dinghies and moved onto sail boarding, and kept riding to work on and off. I still used to take the comic (Cycling Weekly) and read about the BMCC in an article about Weston on the Green. At some point I read a notice in a local paper about the club, so duly turned up for a club ride and got dropped, so nothing changed since then, apart from when I first became a club rides coordinator I had a full head of hair and not a hint of grey! O’ yes work, a bit on the way, butcher to general factory manager, to safety manger which means I have perfected that sharp intake of breath that motor mechanics use when looking at your vehicle.
Although the family is deeply saddened by the passing of a terrific father and brother etc we are also honoured to have shared his life and remember his enthusiasm, courage but most of all his loving nature. As you know Dad's passing was due to complications resulting from a bonemarrow transplant intended to cure his lymphoma. During the period leading up to the transplant Dad talked about raising money for the Geoff Thomas foundation as a way of repaying all the efforts that the John Radcliffe and Churchill made to make him better. We know that he would want us to carry out his wishes and pass on a sum of money to the foundation, so they can carry on their work in finding cures and new treatments for cancer. Although Dad was ill for quite a while he would want us to remember him as a happy and contented person especially where your health and safety was concerned. :-)!
