Company founder and legend Tony Bamber passes away
Founder of Anthony’s Travel, Tony Bamber passed away on Monday 11th May 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Tony founded Anthony’s Travel in 1985 along with his wife Anne and son Richard. Tony’s son, Richard, said: “Not only did we lose a loving husband, father and grandfather, we lost a true legend of Halton and a community champion. As a family we are all heartbroken but would like to extend our thanks to all the people from near and far that have contacted us to share their condolences and their love and respect for my father.”
Tony supported Halton Haven Hospice, the Mark Gorry Foundation and many other causes and sports teams. He sponsored Widnes Downs Syndrome gymnast Omar Haddad, aged 27, helping him to compete at the World Special Olympic Games in Athens.
Omar’s mum, Liz, of Downside, said: “Tony has been an absolutely fantastic supporter. He sponsored him all through his gymnastic life from when he started taking him to school aged four. When I told Omar that Tony had died, he said: ‘He was my champion’. Every time he won a medal, they made a big fuss of him. They even named a coach after him. They have been absolutely amazing with him.”
Ciaran Clotworthy, Halton Haven Hospice events manager, said: “Tony has been a stalwart supporter of Halton Haven Hospice for over 30 years. His support has never waivered throughout and he has openly championed all of the work that we do. There have been many occasions over the years that Tony personally and Anthony’s Travel have been able to support the hospice and ensure we have been able to continue with our special kind of caring. Our thoughts are with Tony’s family and work colleagues, who we know are a part of his extended family at this incredibly sad time.”
Tony was too ill to attend the UK Coaching Awards in April but received a standing ovation. Richard said: “He really is a legend in the coaching industry and it was lovely to see that acknowledged.”
The funeral service was held on Saturday 6th June 2015 at a packed St Michaels Church, Greenway Road with friends and collegues travelling from all over the country to pay tribute to Tony.
Over £2500 in donations was raised which was shared between Halton Haven Hospice, The Mark Gorry Foundation and McMillan Nurses, all causes close to Tony’s heart.
Tony had taken on an advisory role at Anthony’s Travel over the past few years whilst the company continues to be managed and goes from strength to strength by Richard (Managing Partner), Dawn Bamber, Jodie and Faye Waring.
‘Legend continues’ through young Bamber fundraiser
The youngest member of Runcorn-based Anthony’s Travel team Oliver Bamber, 9, has completed his mission to climb Snowdon in memory of his grandfather.
Tony Bamber, founding member of the company, passed away in May following a long battle with cancer.
Oliver was ‘determined’ to join The Mark Gorry Foundation on their annual trip to Snowdon to raise funds and spread awareness of male-related cancer conditions.
Providing two coaches to get the 80-strong team to Snowdon, Oliver was joined by his parents, Dawn and Richard Bamber.
Says Richard: “Oliver was fantastic and put us to shame. He was determined to make his granddad proud and talked non-stop up and down the mountain.
“He certainly is a character just like his granddad and the legend certainly continues through him. It was a pleasure to join the Mark Gorry Foundation again, they are not only our community partners but good friends, and a big part of Team Anthony’s.”
Anthony’s Travel has been a partner of the Mark Gorry Foundation for five years, providing funding, support and courtesy transport to fundraising events.
