NEARLY one year ago to the day, Northland businessman Michael Springford suffered a heart attack while taking part in the Wellington-to-Auckland Cycle Challenge and died during stage two of the race. Springford's son-in-law Aaron Gascoigne was with him at the time.
Gascoigne returns to the event this year to pay tribute to Springford, who Gascoigne describes as his "best mate", including presenting the Michael Springford Memorial Trophy to the winner of stage two from group three. Gascoigne will be taking Northern Advocate readers on his journey over the next few days.
They say time flies when you are having fun. Well, you know what - time flies when you have had the worst year of your life, too.
Just under a year ago I lost a father-in-law, my best mate. Jacinta (my wife), Manuel, Lyndon and Callum (his sons), lost a dad. Seven grandchildren lost a "Big Da", and Sharyn lost a soulmate.
So yeah, bring on 2014 cause it sure as heck has to be better than last year!