Cyclist who died during 100 mile RideLondon race was cancer-survivor raising money to fight disease which killed his dad
Him, his father, his step-father and his wife had all been affected by cancer
A CANCER-SURVIVING cyclist died after a crash during the RideLondon-Surrey race which he was taking on to raise money for cancer research.
Robin Chard "died a hero" taking part in aid of the charity which fights the disease which killed his father and step-father.
The family of Robin, who died at just 48-year-old, confirmed on social media that he had died during the race yesterday.
They urged people to donate money to his fundraising page.
Robin had set up the fundraising scheme as he wanted to raise money for the charity after several members of his family died from cancer.
The endurance event turned tragic after two riders crashed in separate incidences and both had to be air lifted to hospital after suffering severe head injuries.
Many of the those taking part in the annual event were held up before being diverted after the first crash, at 9.05am on Sunday near Pyrford, Surrey.
The injured cyclist was taken by air ambulance to St George’s Hospital in Tooting.
The second crash took place at just before 11am near Thames Ditton and that cyclist was also treated by air ambulance paramedics before being taken to a London hospital.
Other minor accidents were reported along the 100-mile ‘circuit’.
Robin has written on his fundraising page: "Some of you may know, but I too had a form of cancer when I was younger.
RELATED STORIES
"I have had personal experience with cancer, my dad, Edwin, had Lung Cancer which he died of, my mothers long term partner of 25 years, Bert, also died of lung cancer last year.
"Some of you may know, but I too had a form of cancer when I was younger. Something called Hodgkin Lymphoma and was lucky enough to have been cured. My wife Vickie, unfortunately lost her mother Sheila, to non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
"So you can see it's a bit of a personal crusade, but I'm not riding a white charger, just a bike 100 miles in and around London."
Mr Chard's niece confirmed her uncle died during the race yesterday/on Sunday, and she wrote on Facebook: "My beautiful Uncle Robin Chard... He died doing something so close to his heart. We are so so proud of you and the amount of money raised and still raising is incredible."
She posted a link to his fundraising page yesterday/on Sunday evening, adding: "Today my uncle Robin Chard participated in the Prudential 100 for Cancer Research.
"He rode this event to raise much-needed money to donate to Cancer Research. He did extremely well and we are all incredibly proud of him.
"Unfortunately, today Robin did not manage to finish the race as he sadly passed away during the event. Please could we share and continue to raise as much money as possible for a true hero! We love you."
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368.