Dear Everyone,
Thank you all so very much for what you have all said it does help to read good words, rather than incorrect press.
I have discovered a little more from people actually on the scene and it would appear that Richard wobbled slightly and fell slowly to the ground, which fits strongly with a stroke whilst on the bike, the delivery van being a professional driver, drove up past Richard and positioned his van on Richard's side of the road, beyond him to protect him from traffic coming down the road. The other vehicle mentioned positioned itself the other end of Richard to stop any traffic coming up the road. The rest is history.
The delivery van driver has complained to the press council as he is not happy that they said he collided with a cyclist. The Exeter Police media people rang my local police and because of the situation I am to "try" to do a background article which will be submitted through the police to the press, apparently the press are not then allowed to alter the facts then. Maybe they will not even print it, however, at least I'd have taken some action.
An inquest has been opened and adjourned pending brain tissue results, the Coroner's post mortem is leaning strongly toward natural causes whilst on the bike but I now have to wait til the results are all in and the inquest is heard. However, in the meantime Richard was released and I shall be able to see him more rested in the Chapel of Rest next Wednesday. His funeral is on the 16th.
Whilst I cannot imagine I shall ever ride my bike again, I, to my surprise, take pleasure in looking at a picture I have had for a couple of years of a deserted beach with sand dunes, a beach hut and two old fashioned cycles leaning against the hut, it is somehow comforting that we had this last year of exploring and going aorund the country lanes etc.
That's all for now, not sure when I'll log on again
Thanks once again, and take good care and enjoy what you do, you never can tell when your time may be up, or how it will happen. I do not, however, blame cycling - how could I.
Jeanette