THE ROAD TRIP TO MEET SIOBHAN

In the spring of 2006, Gary and I decided to take the long drive to Aberdeen, from Northamptonshire, to meet Siobhan and her family.

We got a few of us together, and hired a mini bus for the adventure we were about to embark upon. And what an adventure it was!

A 12 hour drive, taken in turns by Gary and Juke, with useless directions from Maynard, we finally arrived in Aberdeen.

We were greeted by this tiny frame of a girl, who came strolling across the road with this huge cat ‘hanging’ in her arms. We at first, thought the cat was a cuddly toy, but soon realised it was in fact real! The biggest cat we had ever seen.  He was introduced to us as Jerry, and the other family cat was called Thomas. Thomas is equally as big as Jerry, but Jerry and Siobhan had a special bond. Quite unique in many ways.

We also met Siobhana’s little brother Morgan. Now there is a character all on his own. Eight years old, and a real little joker. Siobhan’s best friend.

After the initial introductions, and the opening of the many presents people had sent up with us, we all got back in the mini-bus, and was treated to a bar-b-que at the home of Don & Fiona. These people were amazing! Allowing 6 English bikers who they had never met before into their homes, and run riot in their garden, just blew us all away. They made us feel like we had known them all our lives. Siobhan, Juke, Gary and the rest of the kids, had a great day on the bouncy castle, and were left quite knackered at the end of the day.

The highlight of the day well might have been Gary and Juke dropping their trousers to reveal tattoo’s we have had for Siobhan. She named her tumour Harry, so we decided, in support of Chevie, to have a tattoo of a butterfly in the same place Harry appeared on Chevies thigh. Everyone was amazed we had done this, especially as we had not yet met the child we were raising the money for.

We wanted these people to know that we were serious about what we were trying to do for these kids.

This sealed the friendship for all of us.

We had a great weekend in Scotland, one which none of us will ever forget. We have made some good, honest and solid friendships there, and we hope to hold those friendships forever.

We left Scotland to return home on the Sunday afternoon, and arrived back home in Northamptonshire in the early hours of Monday morning.

A very long weekend for us all, but so, so worth it all.

Juke has revisited Aberdeen and the family and friends there, many times since. Every visit is special, and to see the friends from the bar-b-que again is amazing. It’s like we have known each other years. The Scottish people really are all their reputation says……….warm, welcoming and so generous with their kindness.

Thanks to everyone we met, and mostly to Alex and Leeanne  and Morgan Shearer . Your regarded as special and treasured friends.

We love you all.