Cyclists across the region are
mourning the sudden death of Congleton Cycling Club chairman Graham McCargo.
On the weekend of 27th
July cyclists of all ages from Congleton’s twin town of Koprivnice arrived in
Congleton for a short stay. They had come via Chelmsford, dropping 20 scouts
off at the Centenary Jamboree, and planned to spend the next two weeks touring
England and Scotland, starting off in Congleton.
They arrived on Friday night and
were met by some of their friends from Congleton Cycling Club, including Graham
McCargo the club chairman.
Congleton 1st Scouts
were also pleased to welcome them and provide accommodation at their Worral
Street headquarters. As many of them are old friends and have visited Congleton
before, they were soon walking around town admiring the floral decorations.
On Saturday they set off on
their bikes with members of the cycling club and rode along the Biddulph Valley
Way and the Burslem and Tunstall Greenway stopping to admire local sites. In
the evening they had supper and an official welcome from the Town Mayor Doug
Parker, and the Deputy Lieutenant of the county Margaret Williamson, where
gifts were exchanged.
Everyone set off in good spirits
again on Sunday morning to ride the Manifold Valley and Tissington Trail – but
unfortunately it ended tragically.
Mr McCargo had a heart attack
during the ride and, despite medical help being present and the emergency
services and air ambulance being rushed in, he sadly could not be revived.
A spokesman for Congleton
Cycling Club said: “Many of the group had built up a close friendship with
Graham, especially Pavel their club chairman.
“That evening everyone met as planned up at Congleton Edge, to
reflect and remember him.
“Club members along with Doug Parker and Margaret Williamson said
that the link between the two towns must keep going, especially now that we
have such an emotional bond.
“As the sun was setting a beautiful young Czech voice sung a sad
love song. The weekend will always be remembered.
“It was with tears of real sadness that we waved them goodbye on
Monday morning.”
Mr McCargo worked tirelessly to
promote cycling in the area. He had even helped blind riders to enjoy cycling
with him riding on the front of a tandem. He was a very active member of many
organisations and will be greatly missed by many people.