Fundraising bike ride in memory of "amazing" Ribbleton man who died suddenly at work aged 48

Forty-eight year old Anthony Talbot from Ribbleton died after suffering a cardiac arrest while at work for South Ribble Council in December 2018.

Although he had a known heart condition called cardiomyopathy, he was informed it was mild and was discharged by his cardiologist.

Now, in a bid to thank the North West Air Ambulance charity and Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a four-day fundraising 350-mile cycle ride from Preston to Ireland is being planned to take place between June 30 and July 4.

It will be led by Anthony’s brother Rob (pictured) alongside eight other family members and friends.

Joanne Talbot, Rob’s wife, said: “Rob is a keen cyclist and has completed lots and lots of charity events in the past. It used to be that Anthony would meet him at the end to cheer him on. They were very close brothers, best friends really, and saw each other nearly every day.

“Organising and training for this bike ride has been good for Rob because it’s given him something to focus on and has helped him with the process of grieving.”

She added: “I work in the NHS as a midwife and I see the odd air ambulance flying into the hospital. Never, ever did I think someone from my family would need one.

“It’s so important to keep it running and we also want to support CRY who have tested our friends and family for cardiomyopathy since Anthony died.”

To donate and for more information, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ride-for-anthony

Any businesses in a position to help cyclists with supplies for their training or the event are asked to contact Joanne on: [email protected]