Lyndon Davies, known to many as Taff, has over 30 years in the Toy and Hobby industry. As the founder of Oxford Diecast, many have followed the journey of my father, right up to where we are today. Many will have met Taff at trade shows or events, and many people know him from the local community. Lyndon Davies' contributions to local charities over many years have often been anonymous, but they have left a lasting impact on the community, quietly supporting those in need and embodying his generous spirit.

In November 2023, while attending the Warley Model Railway Show, Lyndon insisted on helping his daughter load up her stand onto the van as the show came to an end. Just as we were reaching the end of a frantic pack-up, he collapsed. It was a frightening moment, and our initial thoughts were that he had overdone it. We got him home safely to our hometown in Swansea and investigated further. To our surprise, Taff required an operation on his heart—a pretty standard but large operation—which took place in early December 2023. Being the work-oriented man he was, he worked right up until the moment they took him for surgery; we almost had to pry his laptop away from him.

Unfortunately, there were complications during the surgery, which meant that he did not regain consciousness until January 2024. Once he was ready, as a family, we took him to Neurological Rehabilitation, where he had to learn to walk and talk again. He remained there until early March 2024. He is now back home, continuing his journey of recovery. Unfortunately, one of the consequences of the complications has caused vision issues, and Taff is now blind.

For those of you who have had the pleasure of meeting Taff, you will know that behind the strong and motivated businessman is a humorous character with a lot of wit and intelligence. During these very challenging few months, he has not lost his wicked sense of humor and has shown us how courageous he can be. He has taken everything in his stride and is determined not to let this beat him.

He had to relearn the very basics of walking, eating, and talking again. He has taken up a very active life to aid his recovery, including going to the gym, swimming, home exercises, and most importantly, his bike. On Saturday, 23rd November, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Taff will return to the NEC, where this nightmare all began, to fight back and show his determination to overcome all the challenges he has faced by taking part in a charity bike ride on his exercise bike.

I will be raising funds in aid of RNIB—a charity that is now close to our heart.

Tickets for the show can be purchased here: https://www.thenec.co.uk/whats-on/the-national-festival-of-railway-modelling/

Thank you - Eloise Davies ( Lyndon's Daughter)