Honouring a brother's memory

Last May, Lyndon rode 500 kilometres around Greater Sudbury and Manitoulin Island, raising more than $6,000 for the cause.

Lyndon is climbing back in the saddle again this month for the same reason — to honour Taylor's memory and to help disadvantaged kids get the chance to go to summer camp. The cycling fuels good feelings in Lyndon and inspires him to do more in life.

“For me, it's the cycling,” Lyndon said. “It's one of those things that I am completely in control of. I tend to let my mind wander, and I can remember when I was a kid, and what life was like back then.

“I used to think my brother would be around forever. That may sound depressing, but it's really motivating. I found out how short life can be, and there's no sense wasting any of it. If you aren't trying to do something good, you're really missing out on living.”

Incidentally, Lyndon wasn’t sure he would be able to complete another event this year. Working as a teacher in London, England, the logistics of getting back to Canada for the ride were daunting. But Lyndon decided in January that there was no way around it — the ride had to proceed. The money raised in 2013 went to too good of a cause not to make it happen again.

“It means a lot to do it again,” Lyndon said. “I didn't think that it would be possible … since I moved overseas, but family and friends have made it all possible. I've had a lot of help in getting things organized.

“It's a great feeling to be able to contribute to the fund again, and the support from everyone means the world to me.”

Peter and Peg Ferguson love their sons. They raised them to support one another always . They raised them to do good in the world. And they couldn’t be more proud.

“We think we did a heck of a job in raising two wonderful boys,” Peg said. “It seems that brothers will always have a connection. Taking on such a challenge shows how much Lyndon loves Taylor. Lyndon's passion for cycling is raising money for Taylor's passion, which was the outdoors.

(And thanks to his memorial trust fund) Taylor will always be sending kids to camp.”

People interested in helping with a donation can do so by going in person to Merit Travel on Caswell Drive, by mailing a donation to the Sudbury Manitoulin Children's Foundation with a note specifying the money is for the Taylor Ferguson Memorial Ride, or by visiting the Adamsdale playground on July 26 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.