On 28 August 2013 my brother Steve completed his journey having been diagnosed with kidney cancer in November 2012. He was just 41 years old and leaves a huge gap in the lives of his family and the many people who had the privelege to have known him. Steve's last six weeks with us were spent between QA Hospital and a short stay at The Rowans Hospice. It was whilst visiting him there that I was inspired to take part in the Ruby Ride last year. Steve loved to cycle before he became unwell and I was able to take part in last year's ride with my sons Jack and George, who both completed the ride on their much loved uncle's bikes. The ride itself was an immensely emotional but rewarding experience for us all, happening only two days after Steve's funeral.

Steve was affectionately known to his friends as 'Large', which was more a reflection of his personality than his stature. During his last few weeks of illness we were all hugely humbled to see the level of affection and the number of friends and colleagues who had been touched by Steve during his all too short life. Steve's humility and generosity of spirit help us to raise over £2000 last year to support The Rowans, and this year with an enhanced and extended Team Howden we hope to be able to once again enjoy The Ruby Ride in memory of Steve.

Team Howden line-up: Paul, George, Angela, Clare, Ellie, Megan, Amber and Grandad Norman.

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