The family and friends of a motorcyclist who died after a crash in Shropshire have today paid tribute to a “loving and family-orientated” man with “a heart of gold”.
Father-of-one Richard Smallwood, of Admaston, in Telford, died in hospital on May 4, a day after the keen biker was involved in a three-vehicle collision on the B4394 near to the Atcham Industrial Estate.
The 36-year-old was a member of the Wrekin Riders Motorcycle Group.
His family, including partner of eight-and-a-half years Cheryl, said they had been overwhelmed with support from friends, family and the Wrekin Riders.
Cheryl said: “He was loved so much. He had a heart of gold and was such a loving and caring father. He was one special person and the family are completely devastated by his loss.”
“He would help anybody without a thought for himself,” the family said in a statement.
Trevor Trueman, from Wrekin Riders, paid tribute to his close friend, saying: “It’s more like losing a brother than a friend.”
Mr Smallwood, who had a daughter Jade, was born in Birmingham and moved to Telford with his family 15 years ago.
He had been working at Toys R Us for the last four years as a shop assistant, where colleagues described him as “a gentle giant with a heart of gold”.
Mr Smallwood previously worked in school security and care work.
Despite moving to Shropshire, he remained close to old school friends living in other parts of the West Midlands.
He had recently taken part in the “Soggy Doggy” motorbike run to raise money for Hillbrae Dogs Home.
The riders group had planned a motorcycle run from Lands End to John O’Groats to raise money for a disabled child in Cannock. The event will now take place in Mr Smallwood’s memory.
As well as biking, Mr Smallwood was a keen golfer and fan of all motorsport, especially Formula 1.
His funeral is due to take place on Saturday at noon.
4 Comments
What a sad tragedy I feel so much for the family. I lost my brother in law in a motorbike accident he used to scramble but was also like Mr Smallwood he would have moved the earth if could have done. But it was a road bike that took his life. Be brave he will always be were you will be.
my thoughts are with you .
i am deeply sadened i knew richard for a long time he was a lovely man caring and he would help any1 he used to come and see me when i was feeling down and chear me up again i feel really sad and shocked carnt belive he has gone and so sorry for the family who i thought the world of if i could take your pain away i would even though i know what you are going through as i lost my dad 6 years ago and i still miss him now. my thoughts and love are with you .love julie.
richard was an excellent mate and will be sadly missed by all of his freinds. as the story states richard would have done anything to help anybody.
rip rich
Rich, I think about you every day, it is now a few months later and my heart is as broke as ever,
You had a massive part of my life and i will never forget you, MY BEST FRIEND FOREVER. I have so many great memories that i would never trade but when i remember “it just reminds me that we will share no more and it hurts.
your friend forever, wayne, wolverhampton