Speedway star helps promote Uckfield woman's book

Eastbourne Speedway star Lewis Bridger is helping promote a book being sold for charity.

The 21-year-old racer from Bexhill will accompany his aunt, Trisha Bridger from Uckfield, to a signing event in May.

Trisha wrote Why Can’t I Fly for her young daughter Niamh and has published it to raise money for Diabetes UK.

Lewis Bridger, who has returned to the Eagles’ colours this year after a season away, will be with his aunt and signing books at Waterstones in Eastbourne on May 14 from noon until 1.30pm.

The speedway ace, who is pictured above by Pete Lulham, already has a clutch of championships to his credit.

He was British Under 18 champion in 2006, British Under 21 champion in 2009, won the KO Cup with Eastbourne in 2008 and the league title with Coventry last year.

Lewis said: “When I first found out that my cousin Niamh had diabetes it was a great shock as she was so young.

“She is extremely brave and I am so proud of her. She is always smiling and is very bubbly despite of her diabetes.

“When I first heard about my aunt’s book, Why Can’t I Fly, I thought it was a brilliant idea, especially as it is raising money for diabetes.

“The story is great fun for all young children and it is about children wanting to bounce on everything and trying to fly.

“It also has a clever message within the book about not giving up on your dreams.”

Lewis added: “I hope everyone will come and support the signing. I know my Aunty Trisha has been very busy with all her book signings around the country and she is doing a great thing for raising awareness and money for diabetes which is an important charity.

“I am very much looking forward to doing this book signing with her.”

Trisha’s book signings will include one at Waterstones in Bluewater and immediately after she will hand over the first cheque from her book sales to Richard Lane, the president of Diabetes UK.

She has also completed a sky dive.

Trisha and Niamh are pictured below with 2010 World Football Ambassador Gary Mabbutt who accompanied them to a book signing event.

*Eastbourne Eagles' senior promoter Bob Dugard told Uckfield News that one of the club's legends, Gordon Kennett, discovered he had diabetes while riding and was inspired by Gary Mabbutt.

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