Request For Help From Bill Mathieson's Daughter

[Brother Nitro]

This is a serious post and only incidentally related to speedway, for which forgive me, but I have been asked by a family friend, Val Arnold to post it on her behalf. Many long time Rye supporters and indeed speedway people full-stop will have known Bill Mathieson, one-time Rye promoter and huge friend to speedway. Bill is remembered in the Remembrance Garden at Paradise Park. Sadly his son in law, Ron Arnold, who was also heavily invloved at Rye House has leukemia and desperatly needs a bone marrow transplant. Here is what Val has to say:

 

Ron's career with speedway was mainly with the support side. He did ride in the 70s, (as the picture will show), but only made the second half's at Rye House. He loved the sport, but I guess he just didn’t make it. He also ran Rye House training school along with my father, Bill Mathieson from approximately 1965 to early 70's, something that he looks back on very fondly especially all the characters, one of which was George Barclay, the school was a family affair with my mother, myself and various members of the family, doping, oil, instruction, and general dog’s body. It wasn’t unusual to see us shoveling snow just so the boys could have a ride. Ron also helped with the running of the meetings during this time, mechanic, delivering spares, first aid, you name it. Many people will remember my father Bill Mathieson who was with Alf Hagon and also associated with Pete Sampson.

 

Unfortunately Ron has developed acute leukemia during the last few months and needs a bone marrow transplant urgently. If any of your readers, their family members could help us, we would be so happy. Time is of the element, so it has to be as soon as possible. All that is needed is for you to be under 60 years of age, you give a simple blood test at any Red Cross Blood Bank or you can go to the Anthony Nolan Clinic. If you should be a match, you are then flown to California to do the donation, which is painless and your fare to the States is paid. Ron, myself and friends would be more than happy to show you around the area while you are here. There are so many people who could help and if they are not a match for Ron, they will potentially help someone else, the donor program at Stanford pays your fare, but if there was a problem, we would pay it ourseves.

 

There are many little stories of our days at Rye and various other tracks, but I thought I would keep it very short. We know all the boys from those days and have been trying to get the word out for their children to help, but this way it will probably reach many, many more.

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your help, Ron says he would love it for it to be a "speedway character", he said "mad blood" is the best.

 

Valerie & Ron."

 

Val can be contacted at:

 

ratbag@sbcglobal.net

 

Rye On,

 

Brother