A 38-year-old cycling enthusiast has died in hospital after apparently collapsing on his bike on a road in Shropshire.

Dr Richard Wiggin, of Beech Close, Newport, was airlifted to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire on Saturday afternoon.

Despite resuscitation attempts by an off-duty fireman and paramedics, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at hospital.

Dr Wiggin, a single man who worked in the IT department at Greenhous Shrewsbury, was a member of Newport Cycling Club.

He was found collapsed at 1.30pm on Saturday on the B5062 Shrewsbury Road, Edgmond, near Newport. It is thought he may have suffered a heart attack.

His parents are Terry and Susan Wiggin, of Manor Close, Hinstock. They also have married daughter Sarah who lives in Bath.

Mrs Wiggin, 62, a retired district nurse, said: “Cycling was Richard’s passion. He used to compete in time trials and sometimes organised them.

“He had gone out on his own for a spin on Saturday and it seems like he collapsed as he was riding along.

“He fell onto the grass verge, still on his bike, and a young lady in a car found him. A jogger, an off-duty fireman, came by and began resuscitation.

“There was no damage to Richard’s bike or crash helmet and no injuries to his body. Police don’t think any other vehicles were involved. Everyone has been so overwhelmingly kind – neighbours, hospital staff, police and coroner’s officer – and we are so grateful to them.”

Mr Wiggin, 71, a retired personnel director, said: “Richard was as fit as a flea and he lived for cycling.”