More than 100 people joined the Rossis ‘Tangathon’ on Sunday 23rd September for a special journey from Rossis in North Walsham to the Nelson Head at Horsey – walking or cycling the 19 miles in memory of Ian Tang who tragically lost his life last December aged just 20 whilst walking home from a night out.
Despite the poor weather spirits were good as participants, including members of the Tang family, set off in the rain. The walkers and around 20 cyclists too followed the waymarked route with volunteers from Norfolk Lowland Search & Rescue – who had taken part in the search for Ian when he disappeared – on hand to offer assistance if needed.
All along the route, there was a real sense of community as passers-by stopped to make donations for Norfolk Lowland Search & Rescue and also for Friends of Horsey Seals too (Ian loved the seals and had dreams of one day becoming a vet). One lovely lady even arrived with a tray of home-baked goodies to help revive flagging walkers.
The sun did finally put in a short appearance as the walkers picked up the Norfolk Coast Path amongst the dunes and those tired legs and feet were forgotten, with a wonderfully warm welcome at The Nelson Head in Horsey to celebrate Ian’s life. Free return transport to North Walsham was provided courtesy of Wrights Coaches which was much appreciated.
Rossis owner, Bruce Rossis, said “What a fitting tribute to Ian, who was a popular member of the Rossis team and we like to think he’d have loved this event. We were bowled over by the support shown and the donations which were made both before and during the event and, indeed, still continue to come in. Having been such a significant success, helping raise almost £3,000 for the Norfolk Lowland Search & Rescue who was selected as the main charity beneficiary of the event plus £700 for Friends of Horsey Seals, we are considering making it an annual event, so watch this space”.