Lili Myers: 'Dave is always with me'

The widow of Cumbrian born Dave Myers says the TV chef is always with her, encouraging her to step outside of her comfort zone.

The 66 year old Hairy Biker passed away from cancer, a year ago today.

His wife Lili says the last 12 months have been a rollercoaster of emotions.

“I had to grieve the death of my husband. But it wasn't just a simple process of grieving because there was a layer of the public eye that was on top of everything. But I had so much support from people, so many thousands of messages, compassionate messages, loving messages. I had no idea that's my husband's death would impact so many people.

"But of course, that was just the pinnacle of everything. It just showed everybody that we do need love - all of us. And that day kind of unified people.”

Dave first announced he was receiving treatment for cancer in May 2022, but did not specify what type he had been diagnosed with.

He was a TV chef and co-star of The Hairy Bikers with Si King.

The pair travelled the world on their motorbikes, sampling and cooking food from different regions and cultures. They also released several cookbooks.

Lili says the last 12 months have been difficult - but the love and support from friends, family and fans of the Hairy Bikers has been amazing.

She describes one highlight being been Dave Day in June 2024 - where over 40,000 motorcyclists took part in a tribute ride from London to Barrow.

Once in Barrow, events - such as a music gig and a Festival of Dave - were held.

Lili Myers said Dave was loved by many:

“What you saw on the screen was the same in real life. There was no other side to him. He was just jolly - always encouraging people to do the best. He was always doing his best. He would not settle for anything that was halfway or half done. He was always the guy who would go the full way to accomplish something, anything.

“He was always telling me go for it. He’d say ‘girl, you go for it, you can do.’ I've been hearing his voice - just behind my head all the time. Telling me ‘just go for it’.”

Lili continued:

“I've had so many beautiful events this year, to celebrate him and the different things that I have been pushed to do. One of the things is taking up motorcycling. Beforehand, I didn't need to learn to ride a bike. Dave was the rider and I loved sharing biking with him as a pillion. We've done some amazing adventures – but I didn't need to learn to ride, but now I want to – so I’m going to carry on with that. And I’m going to take his bike up to Barrow for Dave Day.”

Dave Day

Dave Day will be coming back to south Cumbria for two days across June 21 and 22.

But this year, people looking to get involved in the ride from London to Barrow will need to register - with funds generated from this going to two charities, NSPCC Childline and CancerCare.

The convoy will leave Ace Cafe in the capital at 7am, travelling towards Barrow via the M6 toll - with all bikers permitted to use the motorway free of charge for the event.

Once the bikers have made it to Barrow there will be a charity concert in the town centre with the square outside the Town Hall transformed into an 'entertainment zone'.

On the Sunday, there will be a memorial football match, family entertainment at the Town Hall, including a motorbike exhibition, a stunt show and a food festival.

You can see photos from 2024's Dave Day memorial ride below.

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