Tributes have been paid to St Neots man Lee Taylor as family and friends prepare to attend his celebration of life event.

Sadly, Lee, aged 46 who had Motor Neurone Disease (MND), died in May just days after the cheques were presented at his final fundraiser for the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

The event involved friends and family - including his young children Mya-Mai and Hudson - cycling around Grafham Water.

Lee did not want a funeral and a celebration of his life is being held today (June 16).

Together, with their family and friends, they hosted a charity ball at The Priory Centre, in St Neots, in March. The event raised £20,800 which has now been donated equally to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association.

When Lee, of St Neots, was diagnosed with bulbar onset MND in 2019, he set himself a series of fundraising challenges and campaigned on social media to raise awareness of "living positively".

During his illness, Lee benefited from care and support from both charities and from the Addenbrooke’s MND Clinic hosted at the hospice.

Friends say his mantra was “I’m not living with MND, MND is living with me” which he shared at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s annual lecture in 2022.

Lee’s wife Tracey said: “Lee was the most amazing husband and father. We are heartbroken but we are comforted by the fact that he was determined to leave us with so many memories and achieve so much to help others.”

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s chief executive, Sharon Allen, said: “It was a privilege to engage with Lee. His positive attitude to living well for as long as possible will continue to help other people diagnosed with a life-limiting condition.

“We are grateful to Lee and John and their families for all their support. The money they raised helps us provide holistic care for more people in Huntingdon, St Neots and across Cambridgeshire.”

Mr Woods, owner of St Neots Windows, said: “When I was first diagnosed it was Lee’s positivity that helped me cope with thinking about what the future holds for someone with MND.

The Hunts Post: Lee Taylor (left) with his friend John Woods. Lee Taylor (left) with his friend John Woods. (Image: FAMILY)

 

"After a while we supported each other and had a special bond. I miss him terribly, but his legacy will live on forever just as he wanted it to. He was a legend.”

Sharon King, regional fundraiser for the MND Association, said: “We really appreciate the funds raised by John, Lee and all their family and friends.

“Recently Tracey and her daughter Mya-Mai represented Lee at our event with our patron HRH Princess Royal, where we were able to thank them personally for all their support.”