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5 months ago
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Hundreds of people have been taking part in a memorial motorcycle ride for Dave Myers of the Hairy Bikers after the BBC star died from cancer earlier this year.
Today's tribute starting in Beverley, East Yorkshire, came after the TV favourite - half of the popular cooking duo alongside Si King - died in February at the age of 66.
Myers, from Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, revealed two years earlier he had been diagnosed with cancer.
Today's memorial ride was organised by Paul Quigley and his Biker Escorts East Yorkshire organisation.
It brought hundreds of riders together from across the UK for a 75-mile ride through the Yorkshire countryside from Beverley and ending in Scarborough.
Hundreds of bikers took part in today's memorial ride for Dave Myers
Myers, one half of the TV cooking duo the Hairy Bikers, died in February aged 66
One of those taking part today wore a T-shirt bearing a photograph of the BBC star
Hundreds joined the 75-mile ride through Yorkshire from Beverley to Scarborough
Widespread tributes were paid when Myers' death was announced by his TV partner King, 57, who had been at his side at the end along with family.
In a statement released on the Hairy Bikers' social media, King said: 'Hi everyone, I'm afraid I bear some sad news.
'Most of you will know Dave has been fighting cancer for the past couple of years.
'Last night, on 28th February 2024, with Lili, Dave's wife, his family, close friend David and myself by his side, he passed away peacefully at home.
'All who knew Dave are devastated at his passing. His beloved wife brought him such happiness as did her children, Iza and Sergiu who Dave loved like his own.
'Personally, I am not sure I can put into words on how I feel at the moment.
'My best friend is on a journey that for now, I can't follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime.
'I wish you god's speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya.'
Myers worked in a steelworks as a student to help finance his studies in fine arts and later joined the BBC as a make-up artist, specialising in prosthetics.
In 1995, he met his long-time co-presenter King on the set of a TV drama, and they went on to build a friendship and successful career together.
Dave Myers and Simon King on The Hairy Bikers Go West, which recently aired on BBC Two
They made their first appearance on UK television as presenters of The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook on the BBC in 2004 and ran for four series (pictured on the show)
Dave Myers shared his heartbreaking final on screen words as his best friend Si King choked back tears during the last ever Hairy Bikers episode which was shown last month
Si welled up as he told viewers: 'I'm just lost for words. It's quite remarkable what he's done'
Their combination of riding their motorcycles to locations across the world and cooking as they went earned them a loyal following - and also won over viewers with their northern humour and enthusiasm.
After their first show, the bearded duo went on to film many other series and specials for the BBC, seeking out new dishes in countries such as India, Vietnam, Argentina and Mexico.
In tribute to Myers after his death, BBC Two continued to air the final Hairy Bikers series which saw the pair tour some of their favourite spots in the UK.
The finale shown on March 19 featured the duo visiting Devon and Dorset before sharing an emotional moment at the end of the tour.
A triumphant Myers told the camera: 'It’s been tough at times. I’ve had chemotherapy all the time we’ve been filming, it hasn’t been easy but we’ve got there and it’s a wonderful feeling.'
King added: 'We’ve done it, but more importantly he’s done it.'
He then welled up as he said: 'He’s my mate but I love him like family, like a brother, and I’m lost for words. It’s quite remarkable what he’s done.
‘Who knows what the future holds but for the moment I’m living in the present, and it’s pretty fine.'
After the credits rolled, a tribute read: 'In loving memory of our friend, Dave Myers.'
Myers and King are seen here on their first show, The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook, in 2006
Myers' and King's combination of riding their motorcycles to locations across the world and cooking up a storm as they went earned them a loyal following. Above: The pair on The Hairy Bikers Ride Again in 2007
A tribute after their final show on March 19 read: 'In loving memory of our friend, Dave Myers'
Earlier episodes showed King filming solo as his partner continued with his treatment.
Myers performed alongside professional dancer Karen Hauer in the 2013 series of BBC primetime favourite Strictly Come Dancing, making it as far as week seven.
She was among those paying tribute after he died, saying she was 'heartbroken'.
A week after news of Myers' death was announced, his widow Li shared an emotional tribute while thanking fans for a 'massive wave of love and support'.
Taking to Instagram on the Hairy Biker account, she wrote: 'A message from Lili, Dave's wife.
'I will never be able to thank you all enough for the massive wave of love, compassion and care that you have shown towards me, Simon and our families in these past days since Dave passed.
'I want you all to know that I have read every single message and comment that you sent… your stories about Dave, your feelings you shared with me mean a lot and my heart is filled with gratitude and love.
'It amazes me how many hearts he touched and how many people wanted to express their love for what Dave and Si have created for nearly 20 years.
'I know the Hairy Bikers have been part of your living rooms for such a long time and I feel your loss as much as you feel mine!
Dave was receiving chemotherapy throughout filming for the 650-mile road trip which featured in the pair's last BBC series
Dave and Si, who both had backgrounds in television production, had known each other since the 1990s (pictured together in 2006)
Myers married Liliana Orzac, whom he met while filming Hairy Bikers in Romania, in 2011 at the star's hometown in Barrow, Cumbria and was stepfather to her two children, Iza and Sergiu, from a previous relationship
She has posted an emotional tribute to her late husband and thanked fans for their support
'My husband, David Myers was a larger than life character and he did everything with passion, enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. His energy was endless when it came to cooking and talking recipes, or biking and talking bikes.
'An amazing storyteller! And through his stories and TV appearances he was constantly inspiring and encouraging people to cook, travel, to live their life to the fullest.
'An exceptional husband, wonderful stepdad, loyal friend and in his own words, a creator, never a follower.
'I feel I'm grieving with a whole nation… and this is something special. ❤️ My wonderful Dave ♥️ - Lili Myers.'
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