A father has remembered his active, popular daughter by completing the 100-mile cycling challenge she died training for in Branscombe.
Alan Scott joined keen athlete Rebecca’s brother Matt, mum Sue and their friends at the Scotland’s Lochaber 100 to cross the finish line together.
They were raising money for the charities that ‘bookended’ her life – a centre for premature babies that cared for her when she was born 10 weeks early, and an air ambulance that was there at the end.
“I knew it would be hard, but we thought it would be a good way to remember her,” said Alan. “It was the right thing to do.”
He added that the route was scenic – once the early thunderstorm passed – and it gave the family time to reflect.
“Rebecca led a very full life. We packed more into her 24 years than a lot of people will in their whole lifetime,” said Alan.
“We have always been active – we would spend weekends swimming, playing indoor football or tennis, we are always doing something.
“It’s such a shame that such a promising life should be taken away so young.”
Rebecca enjoyed running, but when she was unsuccessful in her attempts to join the London Marathon, she looked for other things and soon started cycling.
The Falmouth University graduate, who lived in Clyst St Mary, had been on a 75-mile ride when she apparently lost control of her bike in Branscombe on Saturday, August 3.
Her father arrived at the scene just seconds after Rebecca’s accident, which happened as they were riding into the village from Beer.
“We were taking it fairly steady. I don’t know why but she must have lost control,” he said.
“She was just out of sight when I heard the bang. I was there within seconds.”
Alan praised the quick-thinking of nearby residents, staff at the Mason’s Arms and the emergency services that attended, and said he would like to thank them individually.
The family rode to raise money for the special care baby unit at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and Devon Air Ambulance.
To contribute to the fundraising efforts, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/rebeccascott.
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