Death crash cyclist was charity stalwart
JON MACPHERSON
TRIBUTES have been paid to a cyclist who died following a collision with a minibus.
Robert Worden, from Great Harwood, was cycling along Whitebirk Road in Whitebirk, at the junction of Burnley Road, when he was involved in a collision with a Mercedes minibus.
The keen cyclist and gardener, 53, was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital, where he passed away a short time later.
In a tribute released this week his family said he had a ‘very caring nature’ and revealed he was due to take part in a charity cycle ride across north west France.
In a statement, Robert’s family said: “Robert Worden was a 53-year-old man who enjoyed many things in life.
“He was a keen cyclist and enjoyed raising money for different charities and he was due to embark on a charity cycle ride across Brittany to raise funds for Diabetes UK. He enjoyed spending time at his allotment and was an enthusiastic gardener.
“He had a very caring nature with a soft spot for animals which he would always take time to care for.
“He is a much loved father, son, brother and uncle and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
The collision, which we reported in last week’s Observer, happened shortly after 4pm on Tuesday, June 5. The driver of the minibus was not injured.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting log number 937 of June 5.
The funeral arrange- ments are being handled by Birtwistle & Rishton Funeral Service in Great Harwood.
A file has also been passed to Lancashire Coroner’s Court.
Tributes have been paid to Robert this week on the Observer Facebook page.
Laura Isherwood wrote: “Rest in peace Robert. My thoughts are with your family and friends.”
Athene Gallagher said: “RIP. Thinking of your family.”
Jo Reeves said: “Awww RIP, sounded like a lovely soul.”