Sam Harding died last August.

Family and friends raise thousands in memory of Crouch End cyclist

by Tim Lamden Wednesday, May 30, 2012
4:54 PM

Family and friends of a popular Crouch End man tragically killed in a cycling accident have raised £20,000 in less than six months for a charity set up in his memory.

Keith Harding (centre) and nephew Mark (left) with some of Sam's friends at this year's Crouch End Fun Run and Festival. Picture: Tony Gay.

Sam Harding, 25, died after the bicycle he was riding collided with a bus outside Holloway Road Tube Station, Holloway, on August 6 last year, just after he landed a new job with an online travel firm.

It was this job which inspired Sam’s father, Keith, to set up Go Make It Happen! in January this year.

The nationwide charity supports young people keen on working in the travel and tourism industry.

Mr Harding, 55, of Lightfoot Road, Crouch End, explained: “The charity is designed to help people aged 18-30 who want to build a career in the travel and tourism industry but don’t have the financial capabilities to do so.

“We all need to really give people of that age all the support and help that we can because this recession is getting tougher.”

He added: “After his death, including his funeral, there was an incredible energy from Sam’s friends. He was an incredibly popular guy.

“They had such support for me that I wanted to do something positive to channel that energy.”

Already, the charity has raised £20,000 with events including a fundraising auction and a London to Brighton cycle ride.

Mr Harding, his nephew Mark and some of Sam’s friends hope to increase that by as much as £2,000 after completing the Crouch End Fun Run on May 20.

Mr Harding, who beat his fellow fundraisers to the finish line of the adult’s 10km race with a time of 53 minutes, said: “It’s been very difficult [since Sam’s death], I won’t pretend it hasn’t, but things like this have kept me focussed and positive.”

Find out more about Go Make It Happen at www.gomakeithappen.co.uk.

Kenan Aydogdu, 32, of no fixed abode, was charged with manslaughter following Sam’s death. He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on June 29.