Fundraiser’s stepson is cycle crash victim

CHARITY fundraiser Lynne McNicoll today paid tribute to her stepson who was killed in a cycling accident – and pledged to set up a memorial fund in his name.

Andrew McNicoll, 43, died after coming off his bike as he cycled to work on Thursday morning. Police investigating the crash on Lanark Road are trying to determine whether keen cyclist Andrew was hit by an overtaking lorry, causing him to collide with a parked car.

Today Mrs McNicoll, who has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity in the past two years, paid tribute to her “brilliant, fun-loving” stepson.

Despite the family’s devastation, they have vowed to bring something positive to the tragedy by setting up a memorial for Andrew to raise cash to help make cycling in Edinburgh safer.

Mrs McNicoll and her husband Ian, who together set up the It’s Good 2 Give! charity fundraiser, told the Evening News that cycling has been her stepson’s ultimate passion.

She said: “Naturally we are devastated. He has been my stepson for 30 years and we all loved him so much.

“Andrew’s absolute passion in life was cycling, his family and his partner Donna. He adored cycling, both on roads and on mountains, and was a member of the Edinburgh Road Club.

“Ian, his dad, and I are planning to spearhead a campaign in Andrew’s name to help make cycling in Edinburgh safer.

“The plan is to set up a memorial fund in Andrew’s name and meet city officials to discuss how best to achieve safer routes. We’ve written to the chief executive at the council and I’d like to meet cycling enthusiasts to talk about how the money could be best spent.”

She added: “This has given us a greater understanding of all those we’ve helped through It’s Good 2 Give! who have experienced loved ones pass away. Andrew was very proud of our fundraising and we’ll continue with it, as well as setting up a new campaign for Andrew.

“The past day has been so hard but I’ve got a Facebook page and we’ve had over a hundred comments about Andrew. It’s like the 21st century way of sending a card and it has brought a great deal of comfort to us. The police and ERI staff were also wonderful.”

Andrew, who lived in Balerno with partner Donna, was riding to work just before 8am when the accident happened on Lanark Road on Thursday. He was a Chartered Insurance Practitioner and worked as an insurance officer for construction and regional civil engineering at Balfour Beatty. He leaves behind dad Ian, mum Patricia and a sister, Susan.

A lorry driver was questioned over the accident before being released. An investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing.

Lynne said: “Andrew was fun-loving, passionate and he loved life. He gave to charity and pedalled for Scotland last year doing the 100-mile ride. He said last Sunday that he would do it again in 2012 for It’s Good 2 Give!”

His father Ian said: “Our grief, as you can imagine, is immense. Andrew was a fit young man with a great future ahead of him with his partner Donna. We are extremely proud of our Andrew and his achievements, and are devastated to have lost him.”

Andrew’s funeral is due to be held at the end of next week. Full details will be posted in the Evening News on Tuesday.