Cyclists join ride to remember Raj Soni
FRIENDS and relatives of a talented teenage cyclist took part in a cycle ride in his memory.
About 50 people joined the 30-mile ride from Bristol to Cheddar as a tribute to Raj Soni, who died earlier this month after crashing his bike and suffering a fatal head injury.
On reaching Cheddar, the cyclists took on a gruelling seven-mile section through the gorge – one of Raj's favourite cycling routes.
The youngest participant on the ride was Raj's 12-year-old cousin Harri Soni, from Portishead, who was determined to complete the tough course in memory of his relative.
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Elaine Pople, Raj's great auntie, said: "It was a massive show of love and respect for Raj by everyone who took part, a very emotional day but also a time of joy to celebrate his life and love of cycling."
Raj was cycling alone down Dundry Lane towards the A38 when he failed to negotiate a right hand bend, mounted the pavement and struck his head on July 30. He was wearing a helmet and had ridden the route hundreds of times.
The 18-year-old, who lived in Bower Ashton with his parents Raj Snr and Sue, and sister Krishna, 20, was taken to Frenchay Hospital but on August 2 had his life support machine switched off.
The teenager had just left Bristol Cathedral School where he sat A-Levels in psychology, philosophy and ethics, and sports studies.
A tribute from the school's principal Neil Blundell described Raj as a "tremendously popular" student who was a gifted cross country runner and footballer with a passion for cycling.
Police launched an appeal for witnesses after the incident, which happened at 5.10pm.
Mrs Pople, 65, who lives in Knowle, did not take part in the ride but went along to support the cyclists on the ride.
She said: "Some of his young friends were remarkable – they didn't have sporty bikes or anything. They managed a steep climb for about six miles.
"The event was something his young friends thought of and the family got involved with it. The climb in Cheddar Gorge was one of Raj's favourites because it was such a gruelling climb. The weather on the day was really bad but nobody dropped out or anything.
"It was an outpouring of love for him from all the family and wasn't for charity. Cycling was something we know he loved doing and everyone thought it was something they could do for him."
Raj's funeral will take place at Canford Crematorium in Westbury- on-Trym on August 20 at 9.30am. A memorial celebration will follow at 5pm at Bedminster Cricket Club, The Clanage, Bower Ashton.
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