Friends of a Leeds cyclist who died in a crash honour his legacy
Friends of a Leeds cyclist who died in a tragic crash have told Radio Aire its devastated them and the cheerleading community.
Friends of a Leeds cyclist who died in a tragic crash have told Radio Aire its devastated them and the cheerleading community.
John Harkins, 33, had been cycling back from the gym when he was hit by a car on Kirkstall Road. He sadly died at the scene.
Two men who were arrested in connection with a fatal road traffic collision in Leeds have been released on police bail.
The 22-year-old driver of the Volkswagen Golf involved in the incident remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital.
Now people who knew John have set up a fundraising page for causes close to his heart and to help support his family, which has doubled it's target of £1000.
Rachel Pearson who trained with him and creator of the page told Radio Aire: ‘’It’s been phenomenal to see, most people leave a message when they donate and for a lot of people, they’ve never met him, they’ve just been touched by the story, it’s overwhelming in a good way.’’
Matthew Gilbertson ione of the new owners of Aviators Cheer and worked alongside John:
"Eventually I spoke to his sister and found out that it was him that was killed in the accident, It’s still very much a shock, not just for us but for a lot of people, you hear about this sort of stuff but you never expect it to be someone that you know.’’
Tim Peffers also worked alongside the cheerleading coach. Whilst he says it's been a difficult few days the response from the public has been fantastic: "’I think his legacy, especially with the Leeds Beckett university team is going to live on because he now has generations of athletes who’ve come into the gym, who been taught to train one way, to think one way, to believe that if they do this, work hard, stay safe, use the proper techniques, don’t cut corners, that they will succeed and I think that’s going to keep on going."
"He was really a one off so it’s difficult trying to think of a legacy in the way that it’s difficult to continue what he was doing because he was so unique and it’s difficult trying to box up how people felt about him."
"He had a huge impact on both university teams, so obviously there’s going to be a lot of legacy there because they appreciate everything he’s done, he’s really moulded that team into his personality."
Radio Aire's Tom Dambach has been to speak with Tim:
You can read more about the fundraiser here.