It was with great sadness and shock that we learned this week of the tragic death of club 
rider Andy Walkden, aged 54, who was killed in a Paramotor accident on Thursday April 12 th. Not long after joining the club he was affectionately christened ‘Parachute Andy’ because of his experience and expertise as a paragliding instructor. There have been many tributes to Andy on various social media already and they have common themes – he was a larger than life character, determined to live life to the full, generous of spirit, full of laughter.
A ride with Andy was invariably an experience. He talked incessantly about everything from the benefits of drinking raw beetroot juice to the need for the club to buy a villa in Majorca …..which he would manage. He loved to ride hard and fast on the bike and had terrific 
descending skills – always a good wheel to follow, always determined to be first to the next junction, always willing to do his turn on the front.
When Andy joined the club’s annual trip to Majorca in 2015 what started off as a cycling holiday rapidly turned into a Club 18-30 week. Each day Andy would cycle in the morning and each evening he would be the life and soul of the party in the bars of Can Picafort.
He was also a man of great kindnesses. Over the last few days a number of members have
mentioned small incidents when Andy willingly and generously helped them out…from providing his van to transport them to rides, to visiting them whilst recovering from illnesses or simply buying the coffees on a ride.
Basically Andy was a ‘top bloke’ who will be missed by those who rode with him. Our deepest condolences go to his children Kayleigh and Aaron. We will keep members informed of the funeral arrangements.
Geoff Caton
Update
I’ve been informed by Kayleigh (Andy’s daughter) that his funeral will take place at Southport Crematorium on Thursday 9th May at 3.20pm.
All welcome.
Colin – El Prez
