In Memory of Neil Lea
Neil Lea 1958 - 2007
Where to start… Neil was a remarkable man; committed to ending animal abuse despite his own pain. Being born Spina Bifida had caused him many health complications through his life, but this never stopped him fighting, there are those who would’ve wallowed in self pity and maybe even become martyrs, but not Neil. He just got on with what needed to be done, just desperately wanting to stop animal suffering. Some of us have had our run-ins with Neil, but respect for him always remains; he was honest, direct, passionate for the cause and a real ’do-er’ which is something so badly needed to make progress for a compassionate world. His sense of justice was always apparent.
Neil founded many campaigns including:
Vegan food fayres, the Newchurch Campaign, Real Food -http://www.realfood.org.uk/ , Vegan Buddies - http://veganbuddies.org.uk/
Is it Vegan - http://isitvegan.info/
and of course ARC News - http://arcnews.redblackandgreen.net
Neil also co-founded the Wolverhampton Vegans and Veggies group some years back http://www.wolverhamptonvegansandveggies.makessense.co.uk/index.html and http://www.myspace.com/wolverhampton_vegans
Being one of the oldest remaining members I have seen people come and go and feel sure he would be proud of how the group is evolving with many of us involved in campaigns /demos as well as offering support on a social level to those new to veganism in Wolverhampton. Some may not have been aware he was a co-founder as quite often his ill-health meant he was absent publicly whilst others organised and fronted the group, he expected no glory, just results!
There are so many tales about Neil from over the years and they have all been told with affection and respect for this special man. Many of us recognised his frustration at being tied by his health whilst healthy individuals are sometimes apathetic, but he was resourceful and always found a way to stay active and worked hard to spread the vegan message.
That such a good, committed man has left a world that so badly needs such active, dedicated people is a huge loss. Our hearts go out to Mary, who showed amazing courage at Neil’s farewell and did him proud; they were quite a team. Our thoughts too are with Seamus who dealt with the whole day with dignity and maturity.
Neil passed to spirit on the tenth of July, 2007, at 6.08pm. His mother, wife and one of his closest friends were with him, he went peacefully. He was 49 years old.
With love and respect.
Kerry WVV
..............................................................................................................................................................................................
Also see Neil's booklet, a beautiful booklet produced in memory of Neil giving a brief story of his life, loves and passions.
Where to start… Neil was a remarkable man; committed to ending animal abuse despite his own pain. Being born Spina Bifida had caused him many health complications through his life, but this never stopped him fighting, there are those who would’ve wallowed in self pity and maybe even become martyrs, but not Neil. He just got on with what needed to be done, just desperately wanting to stop animal suffering. Some of us have had our run-ins with Neil, but respect for him always remains; he was honest, direct, passionate for the cause and a real ’do-er’ which is something so badly needed to make progress for a compassionate world. His sense of justice was always apparent.
Neil founded many campaigns including:
Vegan food fayres, the Newchurch Campaign, Real Food -http://www.realfood.org.uk/ , Vegan Buddies - http://veganbuddies.org.uk/
Is it Vegan - http://isitvegan.info/
and of course ARC News - http://arcnews.redblackandgreen.net
Neil also co-founded the Wolverhampton Vegans and Veggies group some years back http://www.wolverhamptonvegansandveggies.makessense.co.uk/index.html and http://www.myspace.com/wolverhampton_vegans
Being one of the oldest remaining members I have seen people come and go and feel sure he would be proud of how the group is evolving with many of us involved in campaigns /demos as well as offering support on a social level to those new to veganism in Wolverhampton. Some may not have been aware he was a co-founder as quite often his ill-health meant he was absent publicly whilst others organised and fronted the group, he expected no glory, just results!
There are so many tales about Neil from over the years and they have all been told with affection and respect for this special man. Many of us recognised his frustration at being tied by his health whilst healthy individuals are sometimes apathetic, but he was resourceful and always found a way to stay active and worked hard to spread the vegan message.
That such a good, committed man has left a world that so badly needs such active, dedicated people is a huge loss. Our hearts go out to Mary, who showed amazing courage at Neil’s farewell and did him proud; they were quite a team. Our thoughts too are with Seamus who dealt with the whole day with dignity and maturity.
Neil passed to spirit on the tenth of July, 2007, at 6.08pm. His mother, wife and one of his closest friends were with him, he went peacefully. He was 49 years old.
With love and respect.
Kerry WVV
..............................................................................................................................................................................................
Also see Neil's booklet, a beautiful booklet produced in memory of Neil giving a brief story of his life, loves and passions.