Dr Phibes
Jul 11th, 2007, 06:59 PM
Reproduced below are the contents of an email I received today.
The pro-animal movement lost a true champion yesterday and
I lost a friend:
Neil was an extraordinary man. Each day was a battle to overcome,
sometimes very painful, illness to get on with his tireless
campaigning for animal rights.
Born spina bifida, Neil recognised that his life expectancy was below
average and lived his life accordingly, impatient and determined to
make a positive difference. His vision, moral courage, tenacity and
strategic insight made him a great campaigner.
Neil remained ambitious to the end and rarely talked about his
illness, unless asked, or even his past achievements but instead
focussed intensely on his next project.
The loss to our movement is immeasurable. But Neil's strength and
determination should inspire us all to continue the fight - no matter
how tough it gets.
Neil died at 6.08 yesterday, Tuesday July 10th. His death was very
peaceful. As many of you know he had quite a few health problems, and
in the end his kidney failed and there was nothing they could do other
than make him as comfortable as possible.
In the past few weeks he received many visits from lots of his
friends. It really picked him up to see so many of his friends, old
and new, there's no doubt it kept him going far longer than the
doctors expected. He was discussing ideas and planning campaigns from
his hospital bed until very near the end. He was an inspiration.
Neil's funeral will take place on Saturday 28th July, we hope this
will give people enough notice, and sorry if it clashes with any
events planned for that day. It will be an environmentally-friendly
woodland burial in the Manchester area, a couple of possible sites are
being checked out and the exact place will be confirmed soon.
Details will be at http://www.veggies.org.uk/page.php?ref=1107, where
tributes are also posted.
The burial ceremony will be about 2pm. There will be an event
beforehand to celebrate Neil's life and contribution to the movement,
with speakers, stalls, vegan food etc. There will also be a social
event and animal rights get-together in the evening.. It will be an
animal rights funeral, and all activists are invited to share in the
day, whether or not you knew Neil personally. Feel free to wear animal
rights t-shirts, badges etc.
More details about the arrangements for the day will be announced soon.
Any donations towards the cost of the Neil's funeral expenses would be
greatly appreciated, donations can be sent to
Manchester Animal Protection Society
PO Box 155
Manchester
M60 1FT
Cheques/PO's payable to "Manchester Animal Protection", and write
"Neil Lea Fund" on the envelopes and the back of the cheque if
possible.
For any enquiries about the funeral arrangements, contact
info@londonanimalrights.org.uk
Tel: 07899 775493
The pro-animal movement lost a true champion yesterday and
I lost a friend:
Neil was an extraordinary man. Each day was a battle to overcome,
sometimes very painful, illness to get on with his tireless
campaigning for animal rights.
Born spina bifida, Neil recognised that his life expectancy was below
average and lived his life accordingly, impatient and determined to
make a positive difference. His vision, moral courage, tenacity and
strategic insight made him a great campaigner.
Neil remained ambitious to the end and rarely talked about his
illness, unless asked, or even his past achievements but instead
focussed intensely on his next project.
The loss to our movement is immeasurable. But Neil's strength and
determination should inspire us all to continue the fight - no matter
how tough it gets.
Neil died at 6.08 yesterday, Tuesday July 10th. His death was very
peaceful. As many of you know he had quite a few health problems, and
in the end his kidney failed and there was nothing they could do other
than make him as comfortable as possible.
In the past few weeks he received many visits from lots of his
friends. It really picked him up to see so many of his friends, old
and new, there's no doubt it kept him going far longer than the
doctors expected. He was discussing ideas and planning campaigns from
his hospital bed until very near the end. He was an inspiration.
Neil's funeral will take place on Saturday 28th July, we hope this
will give people enough notice, and sorry if it clashes with any
events planned for that day. It will be an environmentally-friendly
woodland burial in the Manchester area, a couple of possible sites are
being checked out and the exact place will be confirmed soon.
Details will be at http://www.veggies.org.uk/page.php?ref=1107, where
tributes are also posted.
The burial ceremony will be about 2pm. There will be an event
beforehand to celebrate Neil's life and contribution to the movement,
with speakers, stalls, vegan food etc. There will also be a social
event and animal rights get-together in the evening.. It will be an
animal rights funeral, and all activists are invited to share in the
day, whether or not you knew Neil personally. Feel free to wear animal
rights t-shirts, badges etc.
More details about the arrangements for the day will be announced soon.
Any donations towards the cost of the Neil's funeral expenses would be
greatly appreciated, donations can be sent to
Manchester Animal Protection Society
PO Box 155
Manchester
M60 1FT
Cheques/PO's payable to "Manchester Animal Protection", and write
"Neil Lea Fund" on the envelopes and the back of the cheque if
possible.
For any enquiries about the funeral arrangements, contact
info@londonanimalrights.org.uk
Tel: 07899 775493