by Maggie O’Grady, Chief Executive, International Childcare Trust
I first came to know David when he Cycled Sri Lanka with us in 2005 where he visited Shilpa Children’s Trust (see photo of David on swing). David was a strong cyclist who was always willing to cycle alongside the weaker cyclists to inspire them and keep them going strong. I know this because on a very long, hot, last day of cycling, when I felt like I was on my last legs (and knew that I was to repeat the same five-day ride the following week), he cycled up alongside me and lightened my mind and, in turn, my legs! He had that way about him. His manner was such that I knew it was all going to be okay. He never said that; he just smiled and gently chatted. Since news of his tragic death, other International Childcare Trust supporters who cycled with David have come forward to share similar experiences of this gentle soul. Lindsey Sturdy noted, “...for someone who I only knew for a week, David left the most positive impression.”
David went on to Cycle Cambodia with us in 2006 where he visited M’Lop Tapang. During that expedition, he continued to make an impression on so many of us. We all knew that he had been working in a gym, as he had been leading us in our stretching sessions, and he told us that he had made a decision to study medicine. It was going to be his greatest challenge yet. International Childcare Trust supporter, Lisa Richie, told me, “I remember him saying he was starting to study again because he wanted to be a doctor - after years of doing something else - very brave and noble. This is very sad indeed.” David was very touched by the stories of how M’Lop Tapang was helping children to come off the streets and beaches where they are vulnerable to the worst forms of child labour and exploitation, in particular, preventing children from going into the sex trade and, therefore, David chose to decided to sponsor a girl in Cambodia.
When David was tragically hit whilst cycling from LA to San Francisco California, he was cycling for another international non-governmental organisation that I know well, Find Your Feet, which does excellent work. I have had several requests from people wanting to do something after David’s tragic death. I have spoken to his family and we agreed that, in David’s memory, people might want to sponsor a girl in Cambodia or support what would have been his cycling effort. I have also set up a Facebook Community in his memory. Please ‘Like’ the page and add photos of David to it, if you can.
David will be immensely missed by so many of us.