Saturday, 25 January 2014

Yesterday most of the riders visited the memorial to the tsunami victims in Khao Lak. Ten years after they died, family are still leaving flowers by their names. The memorial is built to the height of the tsunami and you can only partly imagine the horror people that day would have felt when they saw it.
Nearby there are two boats left where they came to rest, 500 metres inland.
To meet the children who survived, and to see how they are still cared for, is a testament to all supporters. Peter Baines continues to provide inspiration and vision.
Hands Across the Water has expanded its compassionate brief to help other children in need in Thailand. The children with HIV at the Yasothon orphanage I rode to last year is one example.
Assisting the Duang Prateep Foundation is another. The girl who I was photographed with on my arrival used to earn 20 baht a day selling flowers for her dying mother and father, while her grandmother was in jail for drug use. Now she is being educated and cared for.
The camaraderie of all who rode to Khao Lak this year was exceptional.
After raising two sons, and caring for my late wife, I would put the contribution of both rides as life highlights.Thank you to those who played a part, and the spirit of kindness that brought it about.