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Sons cycle in memory of Daventry Dad

Two young boys from Daventry have cycled 26 miles to raise funds for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) – in memory of their loving father.

Shaun Taylor was 26 years old when he collapsed at his family home in May 2019 – he had suffered a major heart trauma.

The WNAA crew were quickly on scene and did everything they could, but sadly Shaun passed away.

Grateful for the support of the service, Shaun’s wife Vickie and their two boys held a fundraiser last year for WNAA, in Shaun’s memory, raising an amazing £4016.63. They planned to have another one this year, but COVID-19 put everything on hold.

Despite this, Ethan (5) and Oscar (6) decided to take on the impressive fundraising challenge of cycling 26 miles over a week – one mile for every year on their father’s life.

The duo started their mission on 21 August, and despite battling the cold and wind they completed the last leg of their mission on 29 August at Daventry Country Park.

“Every time I think about how well the boys have done, I well up. They make me so proud every day, but this bike ride has really shown me what incredible, determined and kind-hearted young boys they are, just like their dad,” says Vickie.

The boys’ challenge gained much support and they have now raised over £2,000 for the vital service.

“I never dreamed they would raise over £2,000! And they consciously know why and how they are helping people which makes it even more amazing,” adds Vickie.

WNAA Legacies and In Memory Administration Executive, Irene Wayness says, “It has been a privilege to have met the Taylor Family last year, and now again to cheer the incredible boys over the finishing line of their challenge!

“Last year Vickie expressed her sincere thanks to the crew who were amazing when Shaun needed them, and the charity are so grateful for the continued support the Taylor family have given. I feel extremely proud to be able to help families like Vickie’s on their air ambulance journey.”

Vickie says, “I have no doubt that their daddy would have been sat on a cloud, cheering them on and telling them all up there ‘see them boys, they are my boys,’ with the biggest smile on his face.”

If you’d like to support the boys on their great achievement, please visit: https://in-memory.theairambulanceservice.org.uk/tribute/shaun-taylor-210