Dumbarton grandad knocked off bike as he prepares for charity cycle

Jul 3 2009 by Lorraine Waddell, Lennox Herald (main ed)

A DUMBARTON man was knocked off his bike and left on the roadside as he trained for a charity cycle in aid of the unit which cared for his grandson.

Edward Gray, 49, has slammed the dangerous and careless driver who careered into him on the road between Helensburgh and Cardross.

He was knocked off his bike by the car he reckoned was going too fast as he prepared for the sponsored event.

The Westcliff man is aiming to raise over £1000 for the intensive care unit at Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, which cared for his premature grandson, Kian Edward, last October.

Edward will set off on the trek next Wednesday, starting at the Falkirk Wheel and finishing up in Dumbarton, but faces a frantic race back to fitness as he only managed to get back on his bike on Saturday following the incident in May.

He said: “That day I came from Dumbarton and headed out to Balloch. I came back in the Helensburgh way.

“I was using the cycle tracks and only went on the road when I had to. I was between Helensburgh and Cardross near to the crematorium and had to go out on the road a wee bit. This jeep, I never saw it’s registration because it happened so quickly, was going far too fast. I turned round and it was so close to me.

“It clipped my handlebar and it shook me so much I went right off the bike. The back wheel hit the kerb and buckled.

“I went right off the bike and I skint all my knees and my arm. I got a bit of a fright. The driver never even stopped.”

Edward, who was left shaken and angry after the incident, only mustered up the strength at the weekend to get back onto his bike as the charity event looms.

He said: “I went back out cycling on Saturday for the first time since it happened. I was on the pavement more than I should have been. I was a bit nervous.”

Edward has already managed to collect £500 for the Paisley intensive care unit but is determined to raise even more.

Edward’s charity cycle will be an emotional one as it takes place on the birthday of his son, also Edward, who passed away in 2001, aged only 20, from a mystery illness.

If you would like to donate to Edward’s cause contact Lorraine at the Lennox Herald on 01389 742299.