Well-known 86-year-old cyclist from Whitnash dies from serious head injuries after trying to cycle the length of Britain one more time

A well-known cyclist from Whitnash has died from serious head injuries after trying to cycle the length of Britain one more time.

Victor Paget, known as Vic, had already completed the famous 1,000km route from Land's End to John O'Groats when he was 77.

But he wanted to do it 'one more time' at the age of 86.

He was found unconscious in the middle of Tavistock Road in Okehampton on August 28 with serious head injuries.

He was airlifted to Derriford hospital but died in hospital with his family at his bedside.

Vic, of Church Close, Whitnash, was well-known in the area. He was a former member of the Royal Leamington Spa Bowls Club and bowled for South Warwickshire. He was also a model railway enthusiast.

His family spoke to the Courier and paid tribute to his ‘noble spirit’.

They added: "Vic has been a dedicated cyclist since 1951 when he cycled to Torquay and back from his home in Leamington Spa.

“His highlight was in 2011 when at the age of 77 he cycled alone from Lands End to John O'Groats in 14 days.

“Vic's ambition was to repeat the feat at the age of 86 but in 12 days this time around.

"Unfortunately he has died in a tragic accident, his last living action was pushing the pedals.

"Vic was a noble spirit who will be sadly missed by his family and saluted by fellow cyclists.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Devon Air Ambulance, all the NHS staff at Derriford Hospital Plymouth for looking after Vic with such care and dignity and the Devon and Cornwall Police who have all been tremendous through this tragic event.”

Click here to read our previous story on Vic's last Land's End to John O'Groats challenge.