Mother of two dies in Zambia road smash during charity ride
A SCOTTISH mother has been killed in a road accident while taking part in a fundraising cycling challenge in Africa.
Jayne Gray died when she and a fellow cyclist were involved in a collision with a vehicle during a 300-mile charity cycle through south-eastern Zambia last Wednesday.
It was the third event in which the mother-of-two, from Stirling, had taken part for transport charity Transaid.
Mrs Gray worked as financial controller of H & R Gray Haulage, a family-owned commercial transport business based in Throsk, near Stirling.
The second cyclist – a support team member – remains in hospital with injuries which have been described as non life-threatening.
All other cyclists who took part in the five-day challenge are understood to be safe and were taken to a hotel to arrange for travel home. Transaid was founded by Save the Children and the Chartered Institute of Logistics. It aims to transform lives through safe, available and sustainable transport.
Its chief executive, Caroline Barber, said: ‘We are numb. Jayne was a hugely wellrespected figure within the industry and a loyal supporter of Transaid. We know Jayne’s loss will be felt across the transport and logistics sector.’
The driver of the vehicle involved is in custody and an investigation is being carried out.
A member of Stirling Bike Club, Mrs Gray had taken part in two charitable challenges for Transaid, including cycling in Tanzania in 2015 and in South Africa last year. She is survived by her husband, Robin, and two teenage sons.
Last night, friends and family shared their condolences online describing the fundraiser – who had raised nearly £6,000 for the cause – as a ‘feisty’, ‘friendly’ and ‘lovely’ woman.
Mark Sutherland, Mrs Gray’s brotherin-law, wrote: ‘The family are devastated.’ Jan Palmer, a close friend, said: ‘Jayne was a lovely, friendly, feisty lady. She will be so sadly missed. RIP beautiful lady.’