East London News A Force for the community…
From left to right: Matt Andrews, Emdad Rahman and Anthony King.
Emdad Rahman: Two friends leave London on Sunday, 2nd September to cycle around the world. Matt Andrews and Anthony King will pedal in memory of inspirational friend Tony Young and in aid of Brain Tumour UK.
Tony died from a brain tumor in June 2010. Matt Andrews was a close friend of Tony. He said: “I met Tony at The King Alfred School in Golders Green, London. He was an inspirational IT and CDT teacher adored by students and faculty alike. I got to know him even better after we travelled together to Senegal for three weeks. This was shortly before his terrible diagnosis.
“Tony’s method of coping with the disease was a testament to his strength of character. He received the fateful diagnosis in early 2010. While he was in hospital and during the months of radiation and chemotherapy he bravely maintained his sense of humour, his fantastic personality and, just as importantly, his dignity.
“Tony had many dreams and goals that were left unfulfilled. He was an avid cyclist, and planned to ride from London back to his native New Zealand after the London Olympics. In his memory, my close friend Anthony King and I will undertake the challenging adventure that Tony left undone. By scattering his ashes in beautiful places along the way we will use this journey to raise awareness and donations for Brain Tumour UK.
“Embarking on a round the world cycle is a lot easier when you are doing it in memory of an inspirational friend. Tony was a son, a brother, an uncle, an adventurer, a builder, a teacher, a musician, a mountain biker and a great friend. Completing this final adventure on his behalf not only honours him and his life, it will also recognise all of those who struggle bravely against this tragic disease.”
The adventure is planned to last 14 weeks. Matt gave up his job as a teacher and Anthony as a diver in order to undertake this momentous journey. The first leg of the route will see the pair travelling to Lisbon before heading westwards. The two friends are operating on a tight budget and will sleep in tents. “We’re looking at it like a job,” Matt added. “We plan to cycle six days and have a day of rest.”
For this gallant trek both Matt and Andrew will be cycling across Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and from the west to east Coast of the US. In partnership with Bicycle Basecamp they have a fundraising/leaving event on Friday 31st August at The Arch Gallery, 289 Railway Arches, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9HA.
Tickets are £7. To reserve a place contact:
Larissa on 07709-339 024 – <a href=”mailto:lmatley@hotmail.com”>lmatley@hotmail.com</a>
Matt: 07739-309 958 – <a href=”mailto:matt_andrews2001@hotmail.com”>matt_andrews2001@hotmail.com</a>
Anthony: 07969-273 556 – <a href=”mailto:ant_paddy_king@yahoo.co.uk”>ant_paddy_king@yahoo.co.uk</a>
For further challenge information you can visit <a href=”http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.travellingyoung.co.uk&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEYdi05G0GwzR5ijgBEn9RmShu8JA” target=”_blank”>www.travellingyoung.co.uk</a> or twitter links @travellingyoung and @BrainTumourUK.
Readers can donate by visiting the Just Giving page <a href=”http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.justgiving.com%2Ftravellingyoung&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEaH5Bj7PEPhm3shnYHNXI2Am5G4A” target=”_blank”>www.justgiving.com/travellingyoung</a>.
