 9th February 2009 | #266 |
 | All these comments, mean so much to us. Memorial ride - yes Donations – there’s a research project, for which Eilidh's blood was taken at hospital, looking into the clotting properties of blood to help victims of trauma with severe injuries and experiencing extreme loss of blood. (She died through severe blood loss). We don't know if donations can be accepted on ethical grounds but we're contacting the hospital to find out. In addition we'd like to support the most effective HGV cyclist/driver campaign. It would be nice for the family to see that so many people care, if we could get a card to Eilidh’s parents that’s got lots of signatures on it or just a small bunch of flowers that would be fantastic. I love the shape of a bike idea. That would be representative of the forum rather than just more flowers. Eilidh's, sister, Kate, has been reading this and is amazed by the comments from people that did not even know Eilidh. But having been a dedicated cyclist herself for many years in London she appreciates and understands the feeling of unity and empathy. I think a mass ride along her commuting route from her home to Notting Hill would be a fantastic idea as do her family and friends. I think something noisy to attract attention and bring the issue into the wider press and public interest. A celebration of Eilidh, we’ve been thinking perhaps in a months time 7th or 14th of March a Saturday so more people could attend? The ghost bikes were something we spoke about and we'd definitely have her blessings to put one up; last night we erected two pink wheels, as well as attaching pictures and words at the scene. Someone had spray painted little eyelids (one of her many nicknames was Eyelid) around the area as well as her name. I’m going to talk to the ghost bike organisers as we’d like to get her track frame back from the police at some point and get that up at the scene, she’d rather have her own bike up there than another. At the moment I really don’t feel up to getting everything rolling with this. If someone could volunteer to take charge and I could keep in contact with them that would be fantastic…? Big thanks to Hassan and all the guys in Cavendish Cycles who I think we drove slightly mad when bringing in her frame and going through all the Deep V rims to find some that were pink enough! We got there 5 minutes before closing and kept the shop open for quite a while. Eilidh was the most beautiful, intelligent, kind hearted and joyous person I had ever met in my life. As soon as I met her I knew that I’d never leave her side. Her smiles and laughter would illuminate grey days. She really did change lives for the better. I’m going to put a picture up on here, and one of her frame too so maybe people can put an name and a face to her. Feel free to move this to the other thread. Giles |
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| 9th February 2009 | #268 |
| | GIles, it must have been tough for you to write that post. Although nothing can alleviate what you must be going through now, small things can bring comfort in tough times, and I do hope that it brings you some small relief to know that every condolence here is meant genuinely, and that many people, though they may be strangers like me, are thinking of you, from the heart. |
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| 9th February 2009 | #269 | |
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| 9th February 2009 | #278 |
 | excellent. count me in for the memorial ride. as a girl who commutes on notting hill gate every day this has really made me feel so sad. I passed last night around midnight after work and my heart was warmed when i saw the flowers and 3 ladies were looking at them saying how pretty they were. stay strong velcro, and thanks so much for updating in the post..... |
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| 9th February 2009 | #293 |
| | This is a picture of Eilidh I took at a party last year, am trying to get one of her bike, it was a multi coloured Daniel Salmon from France. Sorry if this picture is so big, please feel free to resize. Giles Last edited by Velocio; 11th February 2009 at 14:17. Reason: Fixed image URL |
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| 9th February 2009 | #295 |
 | I can't imagine what you must be going through Giles but I hope that everyone's messages here bring some sort of comfort to you. I'm almost scared to write anything in case it's deemed too shallow. But I honestly believe a ride could provide some sort of lasting legacy: ramming home the message to drivers of their responsibilities to other road users - but also reminding us that while taking to the road each day brings us such immense fun, some people have paid too high a price for that fun. It's at times like these that I honestly feel like giving up riding in London altogether. But then I always know I'll probably carry on. I live in Camden and go to Ken High Street each day - I'd like to think Eilidh's and my paths crossed at some time. |
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| 9th February 2009 | #299 |
| | dear giles, kate, and all of Eilidhs family and friends.. I have only just read this thread and am truly shocked to hear this incredibly sad news. I also work in Notting Hill and i remember on occasion chatting to this very sweet girl whilst riding along the gate on the way to work. We'd talk about the traffic, the weather and of course deep v rims. We were complete strangers but its those moments of shared experience that makes London the fantastic city that it is. We all love cycling and this forum is absolutely wonderful in bringing a community together. I believe that when it is appropriate, we would all wish to pay our respects collectively, and in a way that shows how we are thinking of you all during this incredibly difficult time. My deepest sympathies to you and all Eilidhs family and friends. Richard |
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