The Siobhanathon Crew Meet Luke

On a sunny afternoon in September 2007, Gary & I decided to get The Crew together, to make a surprise visit to a local pub to meet Luke and his family.

The pub had a huge garden, with a bar-b-que and the best kids playground we had ever seen! It took me all my energy to stay off the swings and slides, but we were there to meet Luke and his family, not for me to act the fool, as I sometimes do………

The sun was shining for us, and the bikes looked gleaming as we pulled into the car park. There was a few surprised, and some very worried faces as we parked up. No face caught our eyes though  as much as this wee lad, wearing a cap and a denim jacket, who was beside himself with excitement at the sight of so many ‘shiny bikes’.

 We got a drink, found a free table, and set about telling Luke’s parents Andy and Debbie, who and what we were all about. Julie kept Luke and his brother Ben busy on the swings and slides, whilst the rest of us assured Andy and Debbie we really were not as scary as the rest of the people in the garden thought we were!

Luke wanted his picture taken on all the bikes, so the camera’s set about their task of capturing Luke having the time of his life. Luke has this ‘thumbs up’ gesture which is all his own, and his thumbs sure worked overtime that day.

Andy and Debbie were overwhelmed by our efforts,  and we all had lumps in our throats at the sight of Luke on our bikes.

Gary and I explained to Andy and Debbie,  that we wanted to nominate Luke for the Siobhanathon child of 2008, and that the forthcoming rally would be to raise funds for a special holiday for them all. Andy and Debbie were overcome by our offer, but of course accepted without hesitation.

We decided then to hold a small fundraising event so that all those people who would come to The Siobhanathon, could meet Luke.

As a result of such a fantastic afternoon with Luke and his family, The Siobhanarok was born……………