Tribute to cyclist Gareth Crockett after Anglesey death

Gareth Crockett was raising money in memory of a friend

The family of a cyclist who died during a charity ride in memory of a friend have paid tribute to "a keen athlete who loved to cycle and run".

Gareth Crockett, 27, from Moira, County Down, was trying to raise £10,000 for Leukaemia Research.

He was aiming to ride more than 450 miles (724 km) and running four marathons in eight days.

He died after a collision with a silver Vauxhall Corsa between Gwalchmai and Llangefni on the A55 on Anglesey.

Mr Crockett's sponsored ride began with friends in Belfast and was due to end with this weekend's London Marathon.

The challenge was in honour of their friend John Erwin, who died in May 2010.

Paying tribute to her brother on behalf of the family, Mr Crockett's sister, Emma, said: "Gareth and John grew up next door to each other and went to primary school together.

Driver bailed

"Gareth and Jez Davison, a friend from John's university days in London, were aiming to raise money for leukaemia and lymphoma research through their extreme (Bel-don) challenge. They have already raised more than £10,800.

"Gareth, Jez and Neil Drew, also completing the challenge for another charity, had completed the marathons in Moira and Dublin before leaving Ireland to start their final stages of the challenge."

Mr Crockett was with four friends when died on Wednesday morning near Holyhead.

The 77-year-old driver of the Corsa was arrested and bailed, pending further inquiries.

North west Wales coroner Dewi Pritchard-Jones opened the inquest on Mr Crockett at Caernarfon.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 (if in Wales), 0845 6071001 (Welsh language line), or 0845 6071002 (English language line).