Table of Contents
- Tragic Loss Before a Dream Wedding
- Family Support in Difficult Times
- A Legacy in Business
- A Pillar of the Community
- Memorial and Donations
A cherished British father and a cornerstone of his local community has sadly passed away just days before he was to give his daughter away at her dream wedding in Spain.
In a devastating turn of events, Hampstead resident Lance Ridden unexpectedly died from a suspected heart attack at a luxurious resort.
Beloved dad and husband Lance Ridden passed away in Spain just days before daughter’s weddingCredit: Cover Images
He has since been described as “a true gentleman” and more, as tributes flowCredit: Cover Images
He was fortunate to attend his daughter’s civil ceremony before passing, fulfilling his role as father-of-the-brideCredit: Cover Images
He had traveled to the popular Spanish holiday destination to walk his daughter Hannah, 32, down the aisle to marry her fiancé Jack.
In the aftermath of this shocking tragedy, Lance’s family came together to ensure that the celebration of love continued.
Hannah’s brothers escorted her down the aisle, while Lance’s widow, Sue, read the speech that the loving father had prepared for the special day.
The 66-year-old father co-managed Vokes, a well-known taxi company in Medway, and passed away on September 14.
Speaking from the family home, Sue expressed her desire to return home immediately.
“Hannah and Jack said they would call off the wedding,” she revealed.
“We had mixed emotions, but ultimately, it was what Lance would have wanted.
“It was wonderful, and I’m so glad it went ahead.”
Just weeks before the wedding, Sue mentioned that Lance had attended the couple’s registry office ceremony at Danson House in southeast.
During the civil ceremony, he was able to fulfill his role as father-of-the-bride.
Colleagues, customers, friends, and family have shared heartfelt tributes on social media, describing him as “larger than life” and “one in a million.”
One individual wrote: “Lance was a remarkable man, and I have countless memories of him.”
“He will be greatly missed.”
Another remarked: “Lance’s love and kindness will never be forgotten.”
“We will always cherish the memories of the wonderful times we shared with him,” they added.
Lance and his co-owner Mark Robinson built the large taxi company across the Medway region over the past 20 years, gradually acquiring six competitor firms.
Lance was a cornerstone of his community, investing in local sports clubs and charitable projectsCredit: Cover Images
Tributes have poured in for the beloved taxi company owner, who has been described as ‘one in a million’Credit: Cover Images
Their business journey began with Newscabs in Rochester in 2004, followed by the acquisition of Windmill in Gillingham in 2011, Rainham Cabs in 2018, I-cab on Medway City Estate in 2021, and Strood Cabs in 2023.
Just weeks before Lance's passing, they had added Computer Cabs to their portfolio.
From humble beginnings, Lance’s mother Joyce initiated the venture, starting from the spare room in their family home.
The business began with just a couple of vehicles for hire in 1967, with Joyce and her ex-Army husband John leading the way at Pinkies.
Lance washed the cabs as a young boy to earn some pocket money, but after leaving school, he chose not to follow his father's path to become a full-time cabbie.
Instead, he pursued a
