Riette ThomasPeter and I were married for 20 years, we shared such a full life in such a short time. We had some amazing adventures which I will treasure a life time. We had fun and travelled the world. I have two beautiful children Lauren (19) and Dylan (14) who are a split image of their dad and had amazing opportunities to deal with their loss. In 2007 Lauren crossed the Sinai desert with 14 bereaved children and raised a £100 000 for Woking Hospice to help fund counselling for children. Dylan participated in the 2009 cycle ride from Montreal to New York and helped raised $60 000 for the GIST Charity. Those who know me will vouch that I am not really the sporty type, more the adventurous!!! The 2009 ride was a decision after a few glasses of wine. Not quite the same for the 2012 ride. The day it was announced that London would host the 2012 Olympics, Peter shared a very special moment with me as we knew he would probably not be with us. So 2012 became quite a personal challenge for me. Getting involved in organising an Olympic LI:VE site for Woking as the Olympic Road Cycle Race came through our borough was a huge commitment, but a very fulfilling experience. I realised training for the bike ride was going to be a real challenge, but then I have always enjoyed challenges in my life and faced them head on, this was just another one. The death of a loved one leaves a big hole, but also throws amazing opportunities at you. Along the way I have made some great friends too. I would like to share Will Smith's wisdom with you; "Don't ever let somebody tell you, you can't do something. Not even me. All right? |
