Cycling club makes heartfelt tribute to ‘irreplaceable’ Don

Don, 79, was the victim of an alleged road-rage incident following a minor collision on the A24 at Findon, on July 16.

The great-grandfather belonged to Worthing Excelsior for more than 50 years and holds the club record for a 24 hour time trial – having ridden 428.54 miles.

A statement issued by the club yesterday evening said: “Just four weeks on, Don’s loss is felt as strongly as ever, as the club struggles to come to terms with what has happened.

“Don had touched upon so many lives and in such a positive way. There has been a huge outpouring of support and sympathy from within the cycling community and beyond.

“His death is an irreplaceable loss to the club and to those who know him. Our thoughts are with the family and the club continues to provide whatever support it can at this difficult time.”

The impact of Don’s untimely death has been felt far and wide. Sir David Brailsford, general manager of Team Sky, sent flowers to Don’s family in the team’s colours, as a mark of respect; and fans at Brighton & Hove Albion’s opening game of the season broke out in a round of applause in the 79th minute, in tribute to Don.

The statement describes a club event the week after Don’s death as ‘the most heart-rending occasion’.

Don’s son, Andrew, rode his father’s bike in the club’s evening 10 race. He was the last man off and was applauded by an assembled crowd as he made his way down the finishing straight.

Cyclists will gather at Broadwater Green, Broadwater, this afternoon, prior to Don’s funeral at Worthing Crematorium.

Matthew Daley, 34, of St Elmo Road, Worthing, has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article in connection with Don’s death.

NOTE: This newspaper would like to remind its readers that this is an ongoing case in a court of law. You have a responsibility to adhere to the ‘innocent until proven guilty’ rule of British Law. This Facebook page is not monitored all day, every day and as such you have a responsibility as publishers on Facebook to abide by contempt of court laws. You are liable for prosecution should you break the law. Thank you. Editor, Gary Shipton

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