A Life of Generosity and Legacy
Tributes have poured in for a remarkable individual whose life touched many. Lance Ridden, a taxi company boss from Hempstead, near Gillingham in Kent, passed away just days before his daughter’s dream wedding in Spain. His sudden death after a suspected heart attack in Marbella, southern Spain, left his family heartbroken. However, they came together to ensure the ceremony went ahead, honoring his memory and fulfilling his wishes.
Lance, 66, had been looking forward to walking his daughter Hannah down the aisle to marry Jack in front of over 160 guests. The event was meant to be a celebration of love and family, but instead, it became a tribute to a man who was deeply loved and respected.
His family made the decision to proceed with the wedding, despite the tragedy. Hannah’s brothers took on the role of walking her down the aisle, while his widow, Sue, bravely read out the speech he had prepared. This act of resilience and love showcased the strength of their bond.
A Community Icon
Lance co-ran the locally prominent Vokes taxi company in Medway, Kent. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and dedication to his community. Colleagues, customers, and friends described him as a ‘true gentleman,’ ‘one in a million,’ ‘larger than life,’ and ‘a legend.’ His passing left a void that will be difficult to fill.
One tribute said: “Lance was a wonderful man, and I have so many memories of him. He will be missed hugely.” Another added: “Lance’s love and kindness will never be forgotten. We’ll always treasure the memories of the good times we shared with him.”
Sue spoke about the emotional decision to continue with the wedding. She explained that after Lance’s passing, she wanted to fly home, but Hannah and Jack insisted on continuing the ceremony. Ultimately, it was what Lance would have wanted.
A Journey of Growth and Success
Lance and co-owner Mark Robinson built up a large taxi business across the area over the last 20 years. They acquired several competitor firms, including Newcabs in Rochester in 2004, Windmill in Gillingham in 2011, Rainham Cabs in 2018, I-cab on Medway City Estate in 2021, Strood Cabs in 2023, and recently added Computer Cabs to the portfolio.
The venture started with humble beginnings by Lance’s mother, Joyce, in the spare room of the family home in Gillingham. With just a couple of cars to hire, the first seeds of what would flourish into a successful business were sown in 1967 with Joyce and ex-Army husband John at the helm of Pinkies.
As a young boy, Lance washed the cabs to earn his pocket money. After leaving school, he declined his father’s suggestion to become a full-time taxi driver. Instead, he took a welder’s apprenticeship at a factory in Gillingham and worked lucrative contracts in the Middle East and the north east of England.
He married his first wife, Amanda, and they had daughter, Hannah, 32. Lance later worked with his father as a council bailiff, but his life took a different turn after friend Graham Vokes announced he was stepping down from his self-named cab firm. Lance expressed an interest and mentioned it to one of his customers, businessman Mark Robinson, who was keen to get on board.
A Family and Business Partnership
Lance married Sue in 2005, and she quickly used her skills honed from working in the retail trade to market the business. Her sons from her first marriage, Joshua, 35, and Hadley, 33, along with their sister Hannah, pounded the streets delivering leaflets to promote their service.
Sue described the partnership between Lance and Mark as effective because Lance ran the business from his heart, while Mark introduced up-to-date technology to the operation. She described her life with Lance as “eventful and fun,” highlighting his sociable nature and the many parties held at their home.
The couple shared a fondness for traveling abroad and enjoyed holidays in the Caribbean, Spain, and Turkey. Lance enjoyed watersports, watching football, going out on his boat, and playing squash at the old Roffen sports and social club in Rochester where he was a member for many years.
A Lasting Impact
Lance invested heavily in community projects, sponsoring his sons’ football teams, Chatham Town Football Club, and charities including the Rotary Club’s Santa Fun Run. Sue said, “We are a blended family and all get on very well, but if anything this has brought us closer.”
Lance’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, October 28, at Medway Crematorium, followed by a reception at the Smallholders Club in Wigmore. Mourners are requested to wear black. Donations can be made via JustGiving to child bereavement charity, Abigail’s Footsteps, in memory of Daniel, the newborn baby that Lance and Sue sadly lost in 2004.
