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17
Sept
Hampsthwaite man dies during cycling charity fundraiser
A Harrogate man who was taking part in a solo cycling fundraiser has tragically died during the challenge.
Eric Oakley, 64, from Hampsthwaite, was cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
The challenge was in memory of his father Ian, his good friend and cycling buddy David “Berty” Birtwistle as well as his niece and a few close friends who are currently undergoing treatment.
The planned fundraiser would have spanned 14 consecutive days and covered 1,018 miles in total, with 57,500ft of climbing.
He set off from Land’s End on September 5 and was on day seven of the challenge when he suddenly collapsed.
Eric had not long crossed the border back into Yorkshire, near Settle when he collapsed.
He was aided by some passersby, and his wife Jo, who had been tracking Eric’s route in a support vehicle.
Despite their efforts and those of the emergency services, sadly Eric could not be saved.
As a fit and healthy seasoned cyclist, there is currently no known cause of death.
He had experienced a tough start to the ride, documenting the bad weather each day on his Just Giving page.
He wrote:
Day 1 - Hardest days riding I’ve ever done, especially in this horrendous weather. Torrential rain all day, permanent 20mph head wind with gusts of 50/60mph winds. Great feeling of satisfaction having done it.
Eric Oakley
Eric’s youngest daughter, Jes Oakley-Stafford shared the news on Facebook.
She said:
On Wednesday we sadly, and very suddenly, lost my dad, when he was mid route of his 14-day solo cycling effort going from Land’s End to John O Groats.
He was doing the ride to raise money for Cancer Research UK in memory of a friend and in a bid to raise money for other friends and family who are currently fighting the disease. This sadly has cost him his own life.
Words cannot begin to describe how shocked and proud we are in equal measure. He was the very best of us - the best dad, husband, brother, uncle and friend any of us could have ever asked for. You died in true Eric style, doing something awe inspiring and unbelievable for other people.
She added:
We could not be prouder of you. I promise you, I will finish what you started and we know you will always be with us.
Jes, her husband, and a number of friends and family intend to pick up the route that Eric was on and finish the challenge in his name.
Since the news was confirmed donations to his JustGiving page have flooded in and the total has already exceeded £5,500.
Before retiring Eric worked at Wetherby's GSM Valtech Industries and was a community figure in Hampsthwaite. He was involved with the school PTA and feast committee. He also volunteered for Harrogate charity Open Country.
The challenge was to mark his 65th birthday.
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for North Yorkshire, Lisa Millett, said:
We were devastated to learn about Eric’s death and send our sincerest condolences to his family and friends at such a difficult time.
Eric was taking on a huge challenge to support the charity’s work and we are so grateful for his contribution. The money he raised, as well as any funds donated in his memory, will help fund vital research into the treatment, prevention and early diagnosis of a disease that will directly impact one-in-two of us at some stage in our lives.
Donations can be made here.
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