A RETIRED social worker has collapsed and died as he rode hundreds of miles on his bike to a friend's funeral.

 

Andy Hunter, 60, had lived in Edinburgh since 1978 but cycled all the way back to his native Herefordshire to catch up on old times with locals and attend the funeral of old friend Freda Smith.

His body was found alongside his bike at the side of the road at Michaelchurch Escley, Herefordshire, where the funeral was held. It is believed he suffered a heart attack.

He was cycling to Michaelchurch to attend the funeral where he was due to meet his sister, Rosemary, and afterwards they were going to meet up with friends and villagers from the county.

Mr Hunter worked for 25 years in social services and retired in 2009 from working as a day services manager for Garvald Edinburgh, which provides services for adults with learning disabilities.

In 1981 Mr Hunter formed the Edinburgh Community Trust, now Forth Sector, with the aim of creating work for disadvantaged people.

Over ensuing years it has provided training, support and employment to some of the most disadvantaged people in society through its businesses.

He had been a storyteller for 20 years and a member of the Scottish Storytelling Network since 1998.

In 2008 he set up his own company, Storybikes, where he combined his love of cycling and storytelling.

He did guided cycle tours, telling stories that were connected with the places and landscapes.

His funeral will be held at Polwarth Parish Church in Edinburgh on Friday at 11am.

There will be a thanksgiving service for his life at St. Michael's Church, Michaelchurch Escley at 12.30pm on Friday, April 24.