Charity cyclist from Stamford presented with Guy Mason Award
Keith Busfield has been awarded for his work on press and social media publicity for the Queen Eleanor Cycle Ride
Last updated 7th Oct 2021
A charity cyclist from Stamford has been given the Guy Mason Award, for his work on press and social media publicity for the Queen Eleanor Cycle Ride.
Keith Busfield was presented with it by Charles Woodd, chair of the Friends of the Connection, at the annual Friends Day in September.
Margaret Beels, deputy chair of The Connection at St Martin’s, said:
"The award is in memory of Guy Mason, son of long-standing Friends of The Connection Ken and Hazel Mason, who died homeless in New York.
"It is awarded every year to a volunteer who has made a particularly significant contribution to the Friends.
"This year’s Award recognises the amazing work on press and social media publicity for the Queen Eleanor Cycle Ride."
At this year's bike ride, 32 cyclists raised more than ÂŁ30,000 in aid of the homeless in London and the work of The Connection at St Martin in-the-Fields.
The 200 mile route retraced the path taken in 1290 by King Edward 1st in taking his wife’s body back from Harby, just outside Lincoln, to Westminster Abbey.
Everywhere the cortege stopped overnight the King had a cross built to provide a focus for prayers for his wife, Queen Eleanor of Castile.
Keith first joined the ride more than 10 years ago.
He said:
"I once hit a 'bump in the road' of life - out of a job and desperately looking for somewhere to stay.
"Someone close to me said 'there's always The Connection'.
"Thankfully things turned themselves around and life moved ahead positively.
"I was genuinely lucky.
"That’s why I’m raising money to assist the homeless."
Keith added:
"I am humbled to be presented the Guy Mason Award.
"Guy died a homeless, broken alcoholic in New York.
"To meet his parents, Ken and Hazel, was something special.
"Guy’s life literally changed with the toss of a coin."
Meanwhile, 84 year-old Ken Mason has set his own fundraising challenge – a ride to nowhere for those with nowhere to live.
He will be cycling 3,650 miles on a static bike in his bedroom over 12 months as part of the Tour de Ken.
His ride is in memory of Guy.
Keith told Greatest Hits Radio he "takes his hat off to him".
Donations can be made online.