Above: Wendy Boon with son Ryan, who died two years ago. Her run in the relay will be a tribute to his memory.By Paul Dunlop
A MUM’S run in the Queen’s baton relay will be a tribute to the memory of her late son.
Officer woman Wendy Boon was thrilled to be chosen among several local participants in the relay to be held early next year as part of the build-up to the Commonwealth Games.
Mrs Boon said she would dedicate the 500-metre run to her and husband Eric’s eldest son, Ryan.
Ryan died almost two years ago of mucopolysaccharidoses, or MPS, a disorder he suffered all his life.
Remembered as a boy with an infectious laugh who made the most of his short life, Ryan was 12 years old when he died.
The Boons have learnt to live with their loss but Ryan remains sadly missed by his parents, sister Jessica (12), brother Brenden (9) and the rest of his family and friends.
Mrs Boon said her mind would certainly be on her much-loved eldest son when she steps out as one of 50,000 people around the world to carry the baton on its way to Melbourne.
“It’s very exciting and Ryan will be first among my thoughts, definitely,” she said.
“I was rapt to have been chosen to take part.”
Residents from Pakenham, Berwick, Kooweerup, Beaconsfield and Beaconsfield Upper were among the people chosen to take part in the relay. Runners were announced last week.
The 2006 Queen’s Baton relay is the largest relay ever mounted. The journey began at Buckingham Palace in March and will end at the MCG for the opening ceremony on 15 March.
Mrs Boon is the president of an nationwide support group, the Australian MPS Society, which was set up to by parents, relatives and friends of those with MPS.
People who suffer from MPS are missing an enzyme that breaks down mucopolysaccharides in cells.
This missing enzyme meant Ryan’s body could not break down complex sugars and this caused a range of health problems.
Mrs Boon told the Gazette her son would not have had any regrets in his short life and, despite his illness, always lived life to the full.
Ryan was a student at Officer Primary School and also attended Dandenong Valley School.
“You couldn’t find a happier kid, he was a bundle of energy,” she said.
More than 300 people attended Ryan’s funeral which was held at St Patrick’s Church in Pakenham in December 2003.
“We knew he was special,” Mrs Boon said.
“People were always telling us how much they loved him. He definitely touched a lot of people.”
Pakenham district residents can get into the spirit of the Commonwealth Games with the official Cardinia Shire ‘warm up’ event this Sunday at the Cardinia Cultural Centre.
A host of activities has been organised with athletes Eloise Southby-Halbish and Chris Ciriello making appearances during the day.
