Friday was a day for celebration, not sadness! A celebration of the life of Mike Davies.

Mike Davies was a loving husband to Theresa, a father to Kay, Darren, Jenny, Tricia, 'Pud' Ashley, and Mexi, a seven times grandfather and a friend to many. He was a keen triker, to the point that trikes were his life, and were the only means of transport he and his family had available.

Mike had also been a rogue in his time, but over all he was a big man with a big heart who would help anybody, not expecting anything in return.

Mike, who died of cancer just a month after the illness was first diagnosed had planned his own funeral down to the last detail in the short space of time he had to do so. He planned the route, the message on the back of his coffin, 'Does it look like I give a . . .?', which he asked one of his best friends, Paul Beard to make for him. He also planned the music.

Covering the funeral of a friend so graphically on Wyenot News is not a thing I would normally do, but having been specially asked to do so by Mike's wife, Theresa, the task has been an honour and a privilege to perform. Friday, 2nd November 2007 was a day which held both happy and sad memories. They will remain with me for the rest of my life.

I'm sorry Mike, I let you down and cried while I was making this film and I defy anybody else who knew you to watch it and not do the same.

Farewell. We had only been friends for just over three years but during those years, the kind man who thought of others, behind that 'big man on the trike' image more than shone through.

The huge gathering of friends during your 'day of celebration' just about summed up how much you will be missed.

Mike Davies did not want his funeral to be a sad affair. As his wife, Theresa put it, 'He had a hell of a life, we must celebrate it.' Theresa has been overwhelmed by the help and support she has received during this difficult time and would like to thank her immediate family and friends, the South West Trikers and Bikers, Cocky and Enza, Tanith for her extra special work, Kay and Darren for making sure she stayed fed and watered, the pall bearers for making her proud, the out riders who ensured that Mike's cortege made its way smoothly and uninterrupted all the way and all those who attended Mike's funeral. Theresa would also like to thank those who sent cards and messages of sympathy and support.

It was Mike's wish that instead of bringing flowers, people made donations to his appeal for Jordan, a very special boy who suffers with Proteus Syndrome and of whom Mike was extremely fond. I am sure that Mike would be really proud to know that a staggering £817 was raised.

I also know that Mike would be very proud of Theresa, who with the help of her family and friends carried out her beloved's final wishes and said 'Goodbye' to him both proudly and with dignity.

The absolute deadline for Wyenot News stories and other items is 12:00, midday on Tuesday, for inclusion in the following day's edition.

PLEASE NOTE HOWEVER: This is an absolute deadline and not the time I am asking for articles to be sent in. Mondays and Tuesdays here at 'Wyenot News' are Hell with by far, the most events I cover occurring at the weekend. The photography that the public sees happening is only one tiny part of the whole picture (please excuse the pun) of running this weekly news publication and the bits of prep that people do not see, are actually the most time consuming part of getting the story out.

If at all possible, please send your story in as early as you can, rather than wait until the very last minute, so that I can have at least a fighting chance of getting to bed before 3:00 am every Tuesday and Wednesday morning after what has lately become two 18 hour working days on the trot.

Thank you very much for your understanding and help.

Alan

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