A5 cyclist death: Charity ride organisers thanks emergency services and fellow cyclists for efforts
A charity has thanked the emergency services and cyclists who tried to help a fellow cyclist who collapsed and eventually died during their annual cycle ride.
The 44-year old man came off his bike on the A5 between Chirk and Llangollen yesterday, while taking part in the Dougie Mac bike ride for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice in North Staffordshire.
Other riders and passers-by stopped to try to help him and emergency services were quickly on the scene.
The Wales Air Ambulance was also called to help.
More than 1,000 people took part in the event choosing either 10, 50 or 110 mile routes. The man who died was almost half way through the longest ride, from Stoke-on-Trent to Llangollen when the tragedy happened.
Today the charity has thanked those who tried to help the man.
Chief Executive of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice, David Webster said: "I have been made aware that other participants in the event stopped and tried to help the cyclist whilst waiting for the arrival of the emergency services, we thank everyone for their kindness and genuine display of consideration for their fellow event participant, who was not known to them personally.
"We share their sadness and deep regret that nothing could be done to help the cyclist.
"Ultimately though, our thoughts and hearts go out to the family and friends of the cyclist, we extend our deepest condolences on their sad and untimely loss."
The charity say participants of the bike ride commented on the day and on social media sites at how well the event was organised and of the "robust contingency plans" put into action when the accident occurred.
Karen McKenzie, hospice director of income generation, also praised the staff and volunteers for the way they carried on with the day and supported all those affected by the situation.
North Wales Police have asked any witnesses to the incident, to contact them on 101, quoting incident reference number V065161.
