Fran Stanton (SOS Management Committee member) and Kevin Morland (SOS member) are both taking part in the Edinburgh – Dublin 250 mile bike ride hoping to raise as much money as possible in memory of Paul Rice and Kevin’s mum Julia. We would really appreciate all your support as we try to raise as much as possible.

Paul Rice lost his battle against Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

Leukemia in January 2012 at the Marie Curie hospice, in Woolton, he was vice president of Spirit Of Shankly Liverpool Supporters Union, along with being a member of the LFC Supporters Committee representing supporters in Merseyside. Paul also led the Liverpool Commercial District Partnership since 2006. Paul was a very inspirational man who had a positive influence on so many people’s lives.

Paul chaired the inaugural meeting of the Spirit of Shankly (SOS) Supporters' Union before being elected as Chair and later Vice Chair and Lifetime Vice President in recognition of his work for the organisation. Despite the intensive, invasive and gruelling nature of his treatment he also continued to work tirelessly. Paul’s brother Peter said his brother’s "lasting legacy" to the city of Liverpool was successfully campaigning for a "yes" vote in a ballot last year to achieve Business Improvement District status for the Old Hall Street area of the city centre.

Not many people will find their football club and home city in one condition and after hard work and commitment leave both in a better state.

In a statement, LCDP said Paul was

“highly regarded in the business community and his passion, commitment and energy was appreciated by everyone who had the privilege to work with him”.

 

LCDP chairman David Guest added:

 

“There are no words that can do justice to such an inspirational character.”

 

He will be remembered fondly by fans for playing a huge and important role in the battle to rid the club of former American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.  

Fellow SOS committee member Peter Hooton spoke passionately about the work Paul had done for both the club and the city of Liverpool.

Hooton said: "He was a very inspirational person. He's left a great legacy at the club - he fought for Liverpool Football Club.

"Paul was the spirit behind the Spirit of Shankly. I think everyone realises that. He was a very clever man.

"He was instrumental in promoting Liverpool as a city. He had so many aspects to his life, and one of the important ones was being a supporter of Liverpool Football Club."

"Paul was the spirit behind the Spirit of Shankly. I think everyone realises that. He was a very clever man.”

Liverpool Managing Director Ian Ayre said: "I was fortunate to have known Paul personally and he was a true fan, and also an excellent businessman. Paul was a leading figure in the representations between the club and the fans in our ownership issues some time back and I had huge respect for the way he conducted himself in my dealings with him. He will be sadly missed."

Paul has been a campaigner for SPLOSH which looks at research and help for people suffering from MDS. There have been numerous events to raise awareness for SPLOSH and Fran and Kevin would like to raise some much needed funds for Marie Curie, in memory of Paul.

In January 2007 Kevin’s mum was told she had terminal cancer and only had a few months to live, Kevin never once thought this would happen to his family it tore us to pieces. Over the next few months Kevin’s mum battled away and stayed as strong as she could for all the family. By the middle of May it was obvious she was quickly losing her battle. This was the first time she stayed in the Marie Curie hospice and the first time any of us had been there.
Straight away I was bowled over at how good the place was,   my mum was so comfortable and happy in there it made life a lot easier for everyone.  Everything about the place was amazing; every member of staff couldn’t do enough to help us, and the private comfortable hotel like rooms were superb.  

Sadly on June 5 2007 my Mum passed away in the Marie Curie Centre, she was so well looked after and peaceful in her final hours all thanks to Marie Curie care.   It was then I started realising that without volunteers and fundraising the Marie Curie hospices would not exist.    I then became determined to do my bit to support this amazing place and help families like ours who will need the help and expert support Marie Curie provides.   From July 12  - 15 we will be participating in a 250mile bike ride from Edinburgh to Dublin, through sponsorship we would like to raise as much money as possible for Marie Curie Care and do our bit to allow this amazing place to be around for as long as possible for others and their families. In 2010 I cycled 250 miles through Jordan and raised £3500 for Marie Curie, together with Fran this time I would love to raise much much more this this great cause.