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Rowie Meers
"My name is Rowie I am Alex's widow. we were together for 21 years and married for 14 years. When Alex was in hospital and at that time starting to get better we joked about doing this bike ride together on a tandem.The journey he went through was far harder than the one we do on 25th October but he will be with me every mile and for the rest of my life. Seeing Alex cope with his illness with such courage and acceptance of this situation gave me a huge amount of strength and determination to carry on when he died. It was truly a privileged to be married to Alex and it is an honour to do this in his memory."
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Matthew Meers
"My name is Matt Meers, Alex's brother. I am a willow grower living in south west France. I make willow fences and garden structures.
It is very easy for bereaved family members to say amazing things about the person they have lost, but there are few people that I have met in life who would inspire me to undertake something like this. Alex never tried to impress people, he was very comfortable in himself yet I have never been more impressed by another human being. While Alex was ill and since his death, cycling has been my therapy, a time to reflect and burn off emotional energy. Helping to set up the foundation has been a positive way to honour his memory and ensure that something good comes out of our terrible loss."
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Pete Southerden
"My name is Pete and I am Alex's brother in law. It was Matt's idea to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats and we all talked to Alex about doing it together when he had he recovered from his illness. Alex's struggle with his illness was immensely courageous and when he died I think we all felt that we needed to do something to show how much we loved and admired him. Something that would involve some pain and sacrifice on our part seemed appropriate and though it represents a fraction of what Alex endured if we cope with it anything like he did we will be proud of ourselves. So Alex the blisters and callouses are for you!"
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Tom Southerden, Alex’s nephew
"There are a couple of reasons why I'm taking part in the cycle.
Firstly, when I was growing up on the farm Alex always had enough time to take us out with him to feed the chickens and the cows etc - even though we were a complete nuisance. Because of the fact that Alex never had too little time to stop and have a chat, let us have a go on his quad or help me and Ryan with some of our jobs, I wanted to do some good things in his memory. I feel this cycle ride is a good way of showing Alex how much he meant to all of us whilst raising some money for charity. The other reason is because I know that if Alex were in my position he'd be the first one to volunteer."
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Pete Richardson
"It was a joy to work with Alex between our two farms for the years I did - the informality, humour, sharing - not to mention a few beers with the rugby!! The bike ride is turning out to be somewhat similar; maybe with a bit more pain thrown in - I'm sure Alex would have been proud of the spirit & camaraderie we are endeavouring to do it in and the outcome of raising money for some great projects.
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Jerry Woods
"Believe it or not, this is one of me, not David Hasselhof! I'm afraid there isn't a bike in the picture. When it was taken I hadn't been near a bike for 30 years and I wasn't quite fast enough to dodge the waves. All that has changed in the last twelve months. I now have a bike, which has endowed me with the body of a god (sadly no recent photo!) and Jessica laughs no more at her dad's pathetic efforts! I have two particular memories of Alex during the time I was helping Matt and Wendy restore their house in Witney: expertly wielding a chainsaw to carve the oak beam for their inglenook, and driving away with a complete greenhouse perched on the back of his pickup truck! I especially remember his cheerfulness and can-do attitude. I know I was drunk when I agreed to do this ride, but even sober I think it's a brilliant tribute to Alex and what he stood for. I hope the Your Day foundation thrives and continues to do good things in Alex's name in the hands of future generations of his family."
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Jason Franks
"Hi, my name is Jason. The others might think I am an experienced long distance cyclist, but seeing the route on the map it looks a bloody long way!!!
I am a friend of Jerry’s aka "the Hoff" and when I heard he was cycling I became curious as to why. When he told me about Alex, the ride they were planning in his memory and the ‘Your Day Foundation’ I felt honoured to become a member of the team on this life changing journey."
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THE SUPPORT PERSONNEL
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Wendy Meers
My little write up written by Matt!
"Wendy Meers - Alex's sister-in-law and Matt's wife. Mother of three boys, Ollie 12, Adam 11 and Harry 7. Main driver of the back up vehicle, an ambulance with box trailer, (not really looking forward to driving that at all let alone for 2000 miles)! Wendy will be juggling several balls in the air at the same time (shopping, cooking washing and general soigneur) but we've been together for 18 years so she's used to that! Wendy's been fantastic pre LEJOG doing lots of the planning and organising of the event and I couldn't ask for anyone better to make sure we all get to John O' Groats in one piece."
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David Meers
"I am Alexander’s dad and, because I remember the lad with deep affection, I want to be part of the Big Ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats. It will be a time to remember him with pleasure and pride. During the trip I shall be chief potato peeler and top sausage chef - vegetarians speak now or for ever hold your peace (peas?)."
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Keith Slack, back-up driver
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FUN-DAY ORGANISERS
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Simon Maddison
Alex’s brother-in-law and buddy from the his Navy days. Married to Natalia and has 5 children. Lives on the Purton House farm with Rowie and the girls.
"Alex was my best mate and I’m happy to do whatever I’m told to make this ride a success. Can’t say I was ever keen to do the actually ride, as I’ve been through the pain barrier before with Alex in my Navy days when we were on Divers Course. I’m doing the easy jobs organising a few bits and pieces and encouraging my clients to donate to the Your Day Foundation, I think I’ve raised £2000.00 so far."
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Natalia Maddison
"Talia is my wife and although I know she was desperate to ride like me she has the burden of looking after me and the 5 kids! Talia is behind one of those behind the scenes people. She’s also the team chef on Saturday. We shall enjoy her culinary delights at the Fun Ride."
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