Hi, my name is Emilio and I am Italian. I moved to London 8 years ago, and now I live in Worthing, which is where I began cycling again.
Three years ago, my best friend, with whom I had shared fantastic times since I was teenager, found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. I never got the chance to see him again.
Antonio was a surprising person. He knew how to do everything, and how to invent things out of nothing. Between friends we called him MacGyver because he always knew how to find the solution for everything - he could even take apart a broken computer and put it back together in working order.
He was a great sportsman, playing football and cycling, as well as being a DJ. He was always willing to do what he could for others, and when somebody needed help, you could always find him at their side.
He was the missing piece in our little group of friends.
The altruism, the intelligence, the sportsman, the friend.
For me he isn’t gone. I see him and feel his presence in every movement I make, and every time I pedal when I go out on my bike.
When I read about London Sussex 100 miles for the MacMillan charity I decided to sign up and participate in memory of Antonio. I do this to remember him and above all to continue that which was his reason for being - to help those in need. It’s what he would have done. And, in my own small way, I would like to help the people who need it.
Thank you for reading my story and… help me to help!