We have called this event the Ben Farrant Memorial Cyclathon in memory of one of Wellspring’s founding board members. Ben was tragically killed while training for the STP nearly three years go after being hit from behind by an elderly driver.
Last week, after over two years of legal wrangling, the trial came to an end with a conviction of dangerous driving causing death. For Ben’s family and friends, it was a relief to finally have some resolution, but also sad to see the unwillingness of the driver to admit fault or seek restitution with the family. This may have been the decisive factor in his conviction.
At the close of the trial, Ben’s mom Helga shared a victim impact statement, that was extremely powerful. In it she talks about the life of her son and how he made a greater difference in his 25 years on this earth than many men make in a lifetime. Here is an excerpt from the end of the statement when she directs her thoughts towards the driver who hit Ben. I wanted to share this because it has so much to do with why I ride!
My view of heaven is that it is so amazingly fun and wonderful, full of laughter and singing so that once you get there no one wants to leave. It is in a different dimension that is full of peace and goodness that radiates from the throne of God. I like to imagine that Ben has given Moses some mountain biking tips while they cycled down Mt. Sinai together and that he trades adventure stories with his great-great-grandfather and sings his favourite hymns along with the angels. I know he would love to hang out with Jesus and I imagine that they dream up fabulous things to pray for us and to encourage us. I believe that he very likely is here now with the “cloud of witnesses” that the bible talks about, cheering us on to run our own race with truthfulness, kindness and love. I hope you will meet Ben there one day. I’m sure that Ben will be among the first ones to welcome you, with his warm handshake with one big hand and his trademark “wrap around bear hug” with the other. I know Ben would like me to tell you today that his Jesus is good and kind and that his heart is full of love toward you.
Helga, thank you for sharing such beautiful words full of grace.