Long term Hospice supporter, and legend in the motorsport world, has died
It was with great sadness that we heard that Colin Seeley had died on 7th January after a long illness. Colin had been a member of the Hospice’s board of Trustees in the early years and a generous supporter and friend of the Hospice for most of its 25 years of operation.
Sidcup-based Colin founded The Joan Seeley Pain Relief Memorial Trust in 1979 in memory of his first wife, Joan and over the years the charity donated over £50,000 to Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice as well as supporting many more hospitals and hospices with a total of £255,000 Nationwide.
Colin Seeley, former Grand Prix sidecar racer and motorbike designer used his name and contacts most generously to raise funds for the work of the Hospice and to make a difference for patients and staff.
“Colin was always keen to visit the Hospice with his second wife Eva to meet patients and the staff who would be using equipment purchased by the trust, so that he could understand the difference it would make; he also liked to tell a few stories of his own too, and was such a kind and generous man,” said Kate Heaps, Hospice Chief Executive. “Only a few months ago, despite Colin’s failing health, Colin and Eva attended a fundraising dinner for the Hospice and donated an auction prize. Both were such kind and consistent supporters and have helped so many. The Hospice community and I will miss Colin’s support enormously. Eva and the rest of his family should feel exceptionally proud of all he achieved, and our thoughts go out to them at this very sad time.”
Colin raced in the British and world championship sidecar competitions between 1961 and 1966, winning the 1964 Dutch TT. When he retired from competition he started to successfully manufacture and design his own frames for racing bikes, many of which have become seen as classics. Into his 80’s Colin worked with Bonhams Auctioneers giving advice on vintage motorbikes.
Bostall Woods, where the Hospice is situated, was close to Colin’s heart, as it is where he used to play as a boy, five miles away from the AJS and Matchless motorbike factory to which he would have a long and close connection during his adult years.