Shropshire biker is killed in desert crash
A motorcyclist who left Shropshire for a new life in Dubai has been killed during a desert race in the Middle East.
Cameron Waugh, 50, from Bayston Hill, near Shrewsbury, crashed as he took part in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.
His body has been repatriated and his funeral will take place in his home town on Friday.
Mr Waugh was found 96 miles into the 180-mile Yas Marina Circuit Special Stage One, as competitors negotiated the dunes of Al Gharbia.
He was discovered by a fellow rider who raised the alarm and he was airlifted to Mafraq Hospital in Abu Dhabi, where he was pronounced dead.
He moved to the United Arab Emirates eight years ago, but his family still live in Shropshire.
Mr Waugh, whose parents Gordon and Ena still live in the UK, was father to Ben, 20, Amy, 18, and Finn, three. He lived with his wife Jane in Dubai.
His two eldest children had travelled from the UK, where they live, to support their father in the race. He had been due to be awarded the Masters series prize after winning the bikes class for over-40s.
Amy said of her father: "He will always be my hero."
Ben added: "He is the greatest dad that I could have ever asked for, a true role model. I will miss him more than words can describe."
His wife, Jane, said: "Cameron was a wonderful husband and fabulous father. I admired and respected him most for his integrity, commitment, loyalty and work ethic. I loved him for his sense of family, sense of humour and never-ending support.
"I am so very proud of all of his achievements in all aspects of his life from family to professional, of which there were so many. Cameron will be missed so much by so many."
His close friend, Wayne Boschier, 47, had been riding with Mr Waugh since he came to Dubai eight years ago as general manager of Ale Heavy Lift. He co-founded the Sandy Helmets riding group, of which Mr Boschier was a member.
Mr Boschier said: "I didn't know a single person who had a bad word to say about Cameron, both professionally and personally."
Mr Waugh was found dead on April 6 and his funeral service will take place at Shrewsbury's Emstrey Crematorium on Friday at 4pm, followed by a wake at The Mytton and Mermaid hotel in Atcham.
Members of the Sandy Helmet riding group and members of Mr Waugh's family also paid a tribute to him last Friday when they set out on a memorial ride into the desert.
