Colleagues from Wales & West Utilities have come together in a Remembrance Ride for ex-Bridgend Ravens mascot Leno Laforges.
Leno, a keen cyclist who played the popular ‘Ronnie the Raven’ mascot for over ten years, sadly passed away last year after suffering a heart attack. He was known throughout the UK and further afield for his exploits and charity fundraising.
To mark the anniversary of Leno’s passing, his cycling partner Richard Parry, who works for Wales & West Utilities, several of his colleagues and further friends and family of Leno came together to take part in the Brecon to Cardiff Taff Trail cycle.
Richard, a Workshop Technician for Wales & West Utilities at its Newport and Llandarcy stores, explains:
“Leno hung up his mascot costume as he wanted to concentrate on his cycling and we started going out on the trails every weekend. You can imagine how devastated we all were when he suddenly passed. I miss him greatly and this remembrance ride is just one way of coming together to celebrate his life.
“I’m thrilled that I’ve had so much support from many colleagues taking part in the ride with me, and also from my employer which donated money to purchase matching cycling tops for everyone taking part.
“The ride marked a sombre anniversary, but it was an opportunity for friends and family to talk about Leno and celebrate his life and achievements.”
Leno began his decade in the mascot suit with a game against Swansea on January 10, 1997. Ronnie the Raven went on to visit primary schools with Bridgend players and helped to raise thousands of pounds for charity. In 2002 he was named Mascot of the Year by Rugby World magazine.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, takes pride in serving Wales and the south west of England. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.
The company also has a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced with new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.