I’m cycling in memory of my beloved husband (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

I’m cycling in memory of my beloved husband

6:00pm Sunday 5th July 2009

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A WIDOW cycled in memory of her late husband who died of heart disease at an emotional bike ride to raise money to keep hearts healthy.

Dawn Moran was one of about 300 people who took part in the Worcester Bike Ride in support of the British Heart Foundation at Worcester Racecourse on Sunday.

The 49-year-old, of Otter Close, Redditch, said: “It will be very emotional for me. My husband was only 50 when he died. He had heart disease for 15 years, had two very successful hard bypass operations but died very suddenly on March 12 last year.”

She was carrying with her on her backpack a photograph of her husband and the words “My Beloved Paul”.

John Mansell, aged 57, of Glenthorne Avenue, Brickfields, Worcester was persuaded to try the longer 48 mile route rather than the 32 mile route by 27-year-old colleague Ben Sharratt of Duke of Edinburgh Way, Malvern.

Mr Mansell said: “He talked me into it. My old man died of a heart attack eight years ago and my wife has angina.”

Organisers said the event was expected to raise about £20,000 for the BHF.

Meanwhile, the historic connections between Droitwich and America were celebrated at the Droitwich Spa Music and Arts Festival, subtitled An American Celebration, as the event crackled into life for Independence Day on Saturday.

The opening ceremony began at the Edward Winslow Statue, St Andrew’s Square shopping centre, at 11.30am.

Attractions included morris dancing, a farmer’s market, children’s rides, the BBC Hereford and Worcester Summer of Salsa and live music in the marquee at Victoria Square.

The festival had three focal points – the High Street, St Andrew’s Shopping Centre and Victoria Square.

There was also a display about Edward Winslow, one of the town’s most famous sons, an American Pilgrim leader on the Mayflower who was born in Droitwich on October 18, 1595.

Janet Yates, Droitwich Spa Area Partnership manager, said the event began as scheduled with the exception of the American classic cars, which were cancelled.

She said: “We have picked American Independence Day because it is nice to have a theme and it’s part of what’s special about the history of Droitwich.

“One of the Pilgrim Fathers was born here and we are celebrating our town’s association with America.”

The highlight of the day for many was The American Dream: An Evening of American Music between 4.30pm and 10.30pm.

The music included a Blues Brothers tribute band and a jazz and blues quartet, Also taking place at the weekend was the Croome Dogathon. The Sunday event involved trails for dog-walkers in the beautiful landscaped grounds of the National Trust property at High Green, near Severn Stoke.

Walkers had the choice of a one-and-a-half or a three-and-a-half-mile trail.

The day was also a chance for the Retired Greyhound Trust to try and find new homes for racing dogs.

Sally Rapson of Sutton Coldfield brought her two greyhounds Jet and Jasmine, both former racing dogs.

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