Moving tributes to cycle-death Colin

COLIN ANKERS... popular and well liked

A GRIEVING wife has paid tribute to her ‘devoted’ husband following his death.

Colin Ankers (54), from Chadderton, was cycling along Broadway at around 10.30pm on June 14 after finishing work when he fell off his bike and hit his head.

The father-of-one, who worked at Littlewoods in Shaw, was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital but he died a short time later.

His wife Joanne Ankers (46) paid tribute to Colin, who was originally from New Moston, describing him as a devoted husband and father to their seven-year-old son Michael.

She also thanked everyone who had helped during this difficult time.

She said: “It’s like a light has gone out in our lives. I’m in delayed shock but I know we will carry on as a family and make him proud.

“Colin enjoyed spending time with his family, playing darts and went to New Moston Mens Club for many years.

“I knew he was popular but didn’t realise how popular until his funeral on Monday when the church was packed.

“I’m proud to have been his wife.”

The couple lived in Chadderton for the past eight years and Mrs Ankers said her husband had cycled to work and back every day for the past 12 years.

She first suspected something was wrong when he failed to return home at his usual time.

She said: “All I know is that witness reportedly saw him lose control of his bike, wobble and fall.

“But he was an experienced cyclist and a sensible man.

“I want to thank the police officer who broke the news to me as well as the coroners office and the Royal Oldham Hospital for their help.

“Thanks must also go to Colin’s family, my family, Littlewoods and Corpus Christi Primary School, as well as the local community.”

An inquest into Mr Ankers death was opened and adjourned on June 20.