Teen beauty spot drinkers are ramblers, not rebels
- Dave Burrows
Shrewsbury charity cyclist dies after fall
Friday 13th May 2011, 3:18PM BST.
Gary Brierley
A Shrewsbury father-of-three has died after falling off his cycle on a high-speed descent while training for a charity event.
Gary Brierley, of Pendle Way, Meole Brace, , suffered major head injuries in Wales on Sunday, coming off his bike at about 40mph near Dinas Mawddwy in Snowdonia.
A doctor travelling behind Mr Brierley gave immediate first aid and paramedics later took him to Aberystwyth Hospital, before he was airlifted to Cardiff University Hospital. He died at 5.30am yesterday from his injuries.
The 44-year-old had been training with five friends for a challenge which would have seen him riding for charity from John O’Groats to Land’s End next month.
Ten-year-old daughter Lara said her father was like a hero to her. And his wife Sue said her husband was a fantastic dad.
The couple, who celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary last week, met at Shropshire Council, where Mr Brierley worked as an accountant since 1988.
“Gary was dependable, reliable and he was always early for everything,” said Mrs Brierley. “He was a family man. He was quiet, unassuming and a fantastic dad.”
Mr Brierley grew up in Bury and attended university in Manchester before joining Shropshire Council.
A fitness fanatic, he visited Bannatyne’s Gym in Shrewsbury at 6.30am each day.
His mother-in-law Margaret Glanville said: “He was the son I never had. He was always up for a laugh and a joke and he was a great listener.”
Eldest son Jack, 12, said he was a great dad while youngest son George, eight, said he was proud of his father, whose organs have been donated to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
As a tribute, the cycling team will continue with the challenge on June 4, raising cash for Cancer Research UK.
By Sam Pinnington
UK News
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How sad. My sympathy to his family. Very tragic to lose ones life trying to do some good for others.
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What an absolute tragedy to happen to such a lovely family. There are simply no words to express how devestated we all are. All our love and thoughts go to Sue, Jack, Lara and George. RIP
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I was so sad to read this story – what a huge loss to Gary’s family and the community. Just doesn’t seem fair that a person who devotes his time and energy to charity is taken from this world.
My deepest sympathy to his family even though I do not know them.
Remember all the wonderful times and his “life” will go on through his donation to the Childrens Hospital.
God bless
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my condolcences to the family especially the children. my wife was called into birmingham early yesterday morning to recieve a kidney transplant .she has been very ill for 18 years,hopefully her new kidney will take. i have mixed blessings and am crying whilst i write this. for her it will be a new life she has yet to live . she fell ill aged just 16.we both love the snowdonia region and both me and my father are keen cyclists . i would like some more details about the charity ride so i can help . again , so sorry to hear of your loss. x
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