Kenilworth cyclist's memory to be honoured with cycling event

Nick Rawlinson, a worker at Jaguar Land Rover who loved cycling, died from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) in February 2012 at the age of 30.

Since that time his brother Chris has been working with the national cardiac charity SADS UK to raise awareness and funds to help prevent more deaths like Nick’s.

Chris said: “Nick, to me, was first and foremost a great brother and friend; fun-loving, never without a smile on his face and always willing to lend an ear or a helping hand. 

“He was also a great son to my parents and a mate to those who knew him.”

To raise money for the charity and to honour his memory, the Rawlinson Bracket Cyclosportive will be held for the fourth time, and the route, starting and ending at Dallas Burston Polo Club in Southam, will cover some of Nick’s favourite cycling routes in Warwickshire, including the Edge Hill escarpment.

Nick used these routes for training and was gearing up to enter the Maratona dles Dolomites, a single-day race through the Italian Dolomite mountains, before he died.

There are two routes available to riders on the day to suit different skill levels - the Top Bracket, a hilly and challenging course, and the Bottom Bracket, a flatter, shorter and more scenic route which less experienced riders can enjoy. The Top Bracket starts at 8.30am, and the Bottom starts at 9.15am.

The event organiser Steve Jefferies said: “The event has a momentum of its own and is able to encourage riders that wouldn’t normally contemplate riding outside at this time of year.

“The aim of this event is to capture the essence of Nick as a bike rider through the design of the courses and allow his memory to endure through helping to help save others by raising awareness of the symptoms and causes of SADS.”

Anne Jolly, founder of SADS UK and the Ashley Jolly SAD Trust, said: “SADS UK is very grateful to Chris, Steve and everyone involved for organising the Rawlinson Bracket 2016 which continues to be such a fantastic cycling challenge to raise awareness and funds for SADS UK following the tragic death of Nick.

“Research into Sudden Arrhythmic Death is absolutely vital to help people in the future and prevent such untimely deaths.”

To enter the race, visit britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/139688/The-Rawlinson-Bracket-2016. Anyone who would like further information about SADS should contact Anne Jolly on 01277 811215, email [email protected] or visit sadsuk.org.