Ben Raemers, Ralph Roberts, Tony Drayson, Timothy Stewart
Donation protected
On the 1st August I’m setting off on a solo bike packing journey from my home in London, Uk to my sisters home in Leysin, Switzerland. There are a fair few reasons for this journey, I’m turning 30 this year and feel now is the time more than ever to bring the crazy dreams that I’ve conjured up over the years to life. (This was the first thing I wanted to do when getting a bike back in 2020). I want to show everyone that crazy dreams and ideas are more attainable than you think, we shouldn’t let the idea of going it alone stop you from reaching the place you what to be in life. My own physically and mental health has had its ups and downs since the loss of loved ones, jobs, friendships and injuries. Keeping positive was something I always prided myself on being, but the last few years have had an affect on me, something riding my bike has helped with. That sense of purpose, pushing from A to B and tackling the paths in between, talking to myself mostly about the important things in life, breaking down my ego and understanding my capabilities. All in the hope to be better next time I come back.
The the memories and spirits of those lost over the years continues to remind me to be ambitious in life, seek out and create fun in the silliest of ways. They’ve finally brought me back to a better, familiar state and hope you watching me suffer for the beauty of it all reminds you of what you can achieve.
I hope together we can raise £1,000 and split this across 4 charities that are connected to each individual.
Samaritans
I’ve chosen Samaritans in memory of Tony Drayson, who sadly died by suicide in February 2023. Tony was a fun loving adventure seeker, who was always ready to get his friends together and explore what the world has to offer. The last time I ever saw Tony was about a year before his passing, on a bike ride with a group from school along the Thames path. I remember being taken aback by a few things Tony said about the prospect of death and how it would come about, but Tony being Tony, managed to quickly move on from that emotion and proceed to be the regular laughing, joking guy we knew. It’s a hard burden to carry knowing you heard something but didn’t act upon it. That’s why it’s so important to be able to talk and listen to people, whether it’s a close loved one or a stranger on the phone, we should all lend an open ear to someone who’s found themselves in hard times.
The Ben Raemers foundation
It’s not often in life to you get to meet your idols, not often they ever live up to your expectations either. Ben exceeded these expectations, just like he exceeded in everything he did. Unfortunately the weight and pressure was too much for even the happiest of souls. Sadly Ben died by suicide in May 2019 and left a hole not only in the skateboarding community but in hearts around the world. In his wake The Ben Raemers Foundation was born, bettering people in engaging with the topic of suicide, learning how to read the signs and how to be a positive support system. I like to think we can all be a positive driving force for our friends, but knowing how to be that is another.
Live Like Ralph
Genuine. That was Ralph, someone who could walk into your life one day, but feel like you’ve been friends forever. Someone who would listen to what you have to say and elevate your idea or add in an extra twist of fun! Some people would say that someone as loud of a personality as Ralph was acting up to the crowd, but there was no act, just pure energy into the idea at hand! Ralph suddenly passed away on January 2020 due to an allergic reaction. The sudden passing of someone full of life left a void for a lot of people, I think the world to with what he could of created for us all to enjoy. Live Like Ralph is a charity that wants to continue the impact that someone like Ralph gave to the world. From parties, festivals, group rides, skateboarding events and classes, they’ve been putting in good energy to allow others to enjoy all the fun things in life that he had the opportunity to do. I’m sure the rhinestone cowboy is cruising in the pink limo to his ranch out there in the universe somewhere.
Greenwhich and Bexley Cottage Hospital
This holds a special place in my heart. My dad Timothy Raymond Stewart was diagnosed with brain cancer in the summer of 1994. This came on suddenly, what started as a black out leading him to fall from a ladder at work, turned into scans that revealed a tumour they could do nothing on. My mum was heavily pregnant with me during this time and had my 2 elder (then baby) sisters to care for. My dad unfortunately passed on 5th August 1994, 81 days before I was born. Knowing he was in a place that cared not only for him but my mum as well has always been something I’d like make sure is available in the future. Anyone who takes on a strangers grief and shows them there is still love in dark times deserves all the support they can get.
I leave London for Dover on Thursday 1st August and plan to be arriving at Prafandaz in Leysin, Switzerland on Saturday August 10th. I’ll be updating my Instagram and Facebook with how I’m getting on/what time I plan to arrive. It would be great to hear from you if it’s been a while, or maybe I’ll see on the 10th at the viewpoint? ;)
You can see the full route on the kamoot link below.
https://www.komoot.com/tour/234886520?ref=itd&share_token=a664zxvOpT4jOurI4FFc4hgdwd8C06L3ifxYp6dPGP1Q92ao54&ref=its
Follow along on my strava too.
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Organizer
Benjamin Stewart
Organizer