First Memorial Ride

The Antony Lord Foundation in association with www.rsct.org.uk

ONE BRAIN., ONE LIFE … ONE CHANCE! LOOK AFTER IT !!
It’s not so much a question of “if you can afford to” but “if you can afford not to?” We all have choices, what is best for you though?

PATRON: Jon Snow

WELCOMING ADDRESS BY LT COL (RETD) LH BROWN MBE (LARRY) TO THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE CHARITY BIKE RIDE

FROM WADEBRIDGE TO PADSTOW IN AID OF

THE ANTONY LORD FOUNDATION ON 5 FEBRUARY 2006

Thank you all for coming today and contributing both by your presence and from your own pockets towards the success of this charity bike ride for the Antony Lord Foundation. Probably most of you if not all, will be aware that twelve months ago, actually to the day tomorrow, 13 year old Antony was taken from his family in a tragic accident whilst riding his bike.

As a result, his mother Jo has set up the Antony Lord Foundation to raise funds with the aim of increasing cycle training for the young, with the help of Wendy Creed, a local qualified instructor also funding the purchase of safety helmets for young riders.

Antony was a happy young boy who had eventually wanted to become a solider. Jo asked me if I would say these few words today having served for 32 years in the regular army. I commanded a recruit training regiment and was also an instructor on the staff where Antony may otherwise have gone one day.

Antony would have wanted everyone to enjoy themselves today and not least of which, nothing would have given him greater pleasure than to see his mum on a bike – She hasn’t ridden one properly until today so STAY WELL CLEAR just in case!

Before you set off and enjoy yourselves, whatever distance you achieve and it is not a race, it would be appropriate if we spent a few moments pausing to remember Antony and what he may have achieved with his life. Also let our thoughts and prayers reach out to Jo and her family, to give them strength and courage for the future.