A 110-mile journey to say goodbye to remarkable man
Nick Sibcy portrait
THE family and friends of a man who lived in Warwick and who was a familiar sight in the town sporting bright red shorts and knee-high stripey socks will take him on his final journey to place his ashes at sea.
Dressed in bright red shorts themselves as a tribute to Nick Sibcy, those taking part in the 110-mile journey hope to raise around £10,000 for Myton Hospice and Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Mr Sibcy, a keen sailor, died from pancreatic cancer last year aged 66 and lived in St Nicholas Church Street with his wife Ann, nee Wood, who he married in 2007 after moving to Warwick the year before.
He was a regular worshipper at St Nicholas Church, where he met his wife.
He was in the Royal Navy in his 20s and trained as an officer cadet at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, from where the fundraising journey will begin, and then go to Plymouth.
Daughter Emma Perry said: “From there we will be walking along the South West Coast Path, all the way to Mylor Yacht Harbour, where dad kept his beloved yacht ‘Eleanor of Poole’ for 20 years.
“Once there we will be going out for a sail, and will scatter his ashes at sea, as was his request.”
Mrs Perry, who runs the boarding house at Warwick School with her husband Mike, who is director of drama at the school, added: “My father spent the last three weeks of his life at Myton Hospice.
“The care that both he and the family received there was second to none. The nurses and doctors were superb, and despite it being an immensely difficult time, it was also incredibly positive, with much fun and laughter right until the end.”
Mr Sibcy had varied jobs after leaving the Royal Navy early because of health issues, including a diver with a North Sea oil company, a builder, classroom assistant in a special school and charity work.
He lost his first wife Rachel to breast cancer in 1992 and had three children and six grandchildren.
Mrs Perry said: “Dad faced his illness with a remarkable degree of courage, dignity and acceptance. He said all the things he wanted to say, he made peace with any troubles he had had and he helped us all deal with the inevitable by showering us with love, hugs and kisses.
“He was a real character, and always brightened up the room, making everyone smile with his laughter, his charm and his infectious sense of humour.”
The family have a website about the walk, which begins on July 14, and Mr Sibcy’s life www.redshorts.co.uk and to donate go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Redshorts
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Weather for Leamington
Wednesday 22 May 2013
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