It is with a sad and heavy heart that we have to announce the loss of our most admired and favourite character:-
Derek John Lawton
21st December 1931 – 28th November 2019
On the 28th of November we lost one of our Superstars.
Derek had a major heart attack on the morning at his home in Blackpool.
He was 88 years young and had made a massive impression on everyone who got to know him.
A true Gentleman and inspired everyone who he met. Derek was a human metronome when he rode his bike, and would set off at an incredible pace that he would comfortably maintain all day. It was a major task for any of our Support riders to stay with Derek and try to support him!!
Even with the spare kit that he would carry in his saddle bag, from two puncture repair kits to a 6Kg bag of Porridge. Just in case!!
On our very challenging charity cycle event The Three Hills of the Edge, Derek set the second fastest time on the very steep two mile hill climb, and his time still stands today.
Derek was awarded with the Coeur de Lyon (Brave Heart award) for his efforts and was very disappointed when the following year had to loan the Trophy to one of his fellow riders.
Next year’s event will have the Hill Climb part of the charity ride dedicated to Derek (Derek Lawton Hillclimb)
Derek you will be missed, but you’re inspiring and humorous stories will be told for many years to come.
Simon Lord Chairman Trustee EMpowered People
Derek on the EMpowered People Manx Magic July 2019
Empowered People 
Derek was indeed a star, he will be remembered and missed by all who were lucky enough to have met him , Bon voyage Derek Lawton .
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Oh that is sad, he was such a lovely man. I will miss him. Diana
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Derek …. what a star ⭐️
I challenge anyone who was fortunate to get to know him , not to smile fondly upon hearing his name . 😌
Such a gent , with a wicked sense of humour , who seemed to morph into the Tasmanian Devil when he threw his leg over a bicycle !
I remember Simon suggesting that I may want to ‘ support’ Derek when he first attended an EMpowered event – the 3 Hills of the Edge . We set off up the long climb up ‘ the Edge’. , and I invited Derek to set the pace up this demanding ascent , in order that I didn’t drag him along too quickly . BIG mistake !! 😆
After only 2 Kms , despite my best effort, I was getting left in the Lawton wake , as Derek powered onwards and upwards ! To rub salt into my wounds , Derek eventually stopped in a lay- by upon noticing I was absent . When I eventually arrived at the lay- by , hot , sweaty and breathless following my frantic pursuit of Derek , he casually asked “ is everything ok Andy ?”
Absolute quality !
Rest in peace lovely man – enjoy the rest of your journey .
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