Son's cycling tribute to former Bexhill athlete

On Saturday, April 9, Matt Dadd will cycle from Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club in Little Common Road to Beachy Head, near Eastbourne, in memory of “a wonderful man, father and friend”, Tony Dadd, who died on February 18.

Tony, 76, died at St Michael’s Hospice, St Leonards, and it is for the hospice that his son is now seeking sponsorship and donations through his bike ride.

In his younger days Tony was himself a keen cyclist and a key member of Bexhill Amateur Athletic Club. His recent death has brought many tributes.

A former club secretary, Martin Hyland, said: “Tony was a great club member, a wise owl. He was a trustee and a committee member who always made an impact at the annual general meeting. He ran the weights section for more than 20 years and will be sadly missed.”

A close friend, Mick High, said: “Tony and I first met in 1969 when I started weight-lifting at the club, Tony was already the section leader.

“He taught me about dedication, positive thinking and how not to quit - qualities that have helped me through my life.”

Tony worked hard to raise funds for the club in the 1970s and 1980s at a time when the club relied on people like him for survival.

Others spoke of his unswerving readiness to give advice and to make time for people, his inspirational qualities and of his being a true gentleman.

His son, Matt, 36, an IT consultant, said: “Even when facing death he joked and gave a smile - always gentle, polite and dignified, trying to make people laugh, wanting to put everyone else before himself and always wanting to make them feel at ease.”

Tony’s funeral will be at Eastbourne Crematorium on Tuesday, March 8 at 1pm. He leaves his wife, Sally, and sons, Paul and Matt, who live in Germany and Cheltenham respectively.

• To sponsor Matt and make a donation on line in memory of his father, log on to: www.justgiving.com/Matthew-Dadd