Cyclist who crashed into tree during RideLondon dies from injuries

A cyclist who crashed into a tree during July’s Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 sportive died in hospital three weeks later without ever gaining consciousness, it has been revealed.

The event on Sunday 31 July was rerouted while medical personnel treated Richard Kell, aged 71, at the roadside before he was airlifted to St George’s Hospital in Tooting.

> Cyclist seriously injured after hitting tree during RideLondon sportive

Mr Kell, from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, spent three weeks in a coma there before his life support machine was switched off.

His wife Hillary told the Oxford Mail: "He was such a happy person. He loved his cycling and loved his family.

"I just can't imagine life without him – he was so full of life. It was a tragic accident."

The crash took place between Pyrford and Ripley in Surrey, about 40 miles into the event.

Mr Kell’s daughter, Sarah, was told about what had happened to him as she waited to start the shorter 46-mile ride that was introduced this year.

She had spent the previous day in London with her father, who was looking forward to riding the 100-mile event he had already completed in 2015.

Mr Kell was one of two cyclists who died after taking part in this year’s event, with Robin Chard from Bicester, Oxfordshire, sustaining a cardiac arrest and later passing away in Kingston Hospital.

More than £66,000 has now been raised in Mr Chard’s memory for Cancer Research UK via his Just Giving page.

> Donations made in memory of RideLondon cyclist and cancer survivor