Thank you for visiting my JustGiving Page in memory of Gavin Pilkington. If you’d like to make a donation to North west blood bikes lancs and lakes I’d be very grateful, as it will help them continue their amazing work. Thank you.

My story...and why I am doing this personal challenge of mine in memory of Gavin...........

Gavin sadly passed away on 5th October 2014.

I was privileged to have met Gavin by chance on the Isle of Man
Our story .....
Please let me introduce you all to Gavin from Holmfirth and our story... and why the 2 most precious and inspiring moments in my life are having my son Jamie and meeting Gavin.
I was on the Isle of man in July for the first break I have had since being diagnosed 2 years ago with cancer myself. 
I was fortunate enough to be taken around the island circuit by David Cretney who both I and Gavin will be eternally grateful to as if Dave hadn't asked to meet at the Grandstand, I would never have met Gavin.
I was staying in Port Erin and Dave I think lives towards Peel so he could have arranged anywhere to meet up for the run.
After my breathtaking ride over the mountain Dave dropped me back off at the Grandstand where my mum was waiting to get a few more pics of us arriving.
We had a short chat and then after Dave left, I saw a gent taking a picture of his bike near the TT sign with his mobile phone.
I went across and asked if he would like me to take a picture of him on his bike with his phone.
I then said I would get my own camera out and do a few pictures as I wasn't in a hurry to leave the grandstand.
I then spent around and hour and a half taking riding shots etc.
After we had both finished we had a chat where Gavin told me that I didn't realise how much it meant that he had met me.
He then told me he had cancer, I then said ditto but sadly the bombshell came that Gavin's is terminal giving him 6 months.
After finding this out Gavin, a serious triathlete who has many friends that ride also wanted to ride. After passing his test he then went to get himself a bike and as you can see from the picture...what a bike.
The bike wasnt ready in time and as he was a little late he missed his crossing at Heysham with his girlfriend. After explaining about his condition and the chance he would never be able to get to the island or another holiday with his girlfriend again the ferry company shipped him across to Liverpool and allowed him across at no extra cost.
He said all his friends would never believe that he had met me and what I had done for him.
He then asked if i was at The Creg the day before and i said yes. I was doing pics for people that had gone across. I explained to Gavin that after I had finished doing their pics I took a few random ones and then he said I'm sure you got one of me coming down from Kate's cottage as when I saw you, I thought i had better tip it in a little and make the pic look good. 
When i got back to the Hotel i checked the memory and as you can see, i did manage to get quite an iconic shot.
Gavin went back into hospital soon after for another op and told me that he is resigned, not scared at all but plans to enjoy what little time he has left.
I have repeated this story to my family and the tears flowed, just as they are now.
If ever my work meant more to me than the world, it does now.
I had a selection printed for Gavin, I am so grateful for him letting me capture a special moment for him yet so humble that I moan about being cold under a tree at Rivington each Sunday. Each time im at the Grandstand, Gavin will be in my memory.
Even though he would have liked to, he never made it to the TTs but managed to see the Island and its beauty. 
After asking if I could use his pictures this is what he said ....
Hi Susan
Such nice comments, thank you!
Yes please use my pictures, if you need any info about my condition? Then please call me
I really don't mind... and if anyone else going through similar situation can gain confidence or hope from reading about our meeting/discussion, then it's worth it! I'm terminal, but I'll be dammed if I'm going to let it ruin my life or enjoyment!!
Kind Regards to you and your family
Gavin
I told Gavin that I would love to take my bike to the Island but the farthest I have ridden on my bike after having an off last year is Southport so for me this is a huge challenge.
I am travelling from home to Laxey on the Isle of Man on 19th October 2015 and will complete a lap of the TT course on the 20th October 2015.
I have chosen the North West Blood Bikes Lancs and Lakes Charity as they rely totally on donations and it costs in the region of £15,000 a year to operate.
I know how hard the teams work and feel a helping hand would be very much appreciated.
Health issues for me are still prevalent but im determined to complete this and hopefully it will become an annual event with others joining me... and ill be able to say 'Gavin, I did it'...

Thank you in advance to everyone for supporting me xx

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