Family's thanks after marking one-year anniversary of Bexhill cyclist's death

The family of a Bexhill man who died in a collision on Combe Valley Way have thanked those who left a tribute to him.
Antoney Colley died on May 26, 2019. Picture: Gaynor FullerAntoney Colley died on May 26, 2019. Picture: Gaynor Fuller
Antoney Colley died on May 26, 2019. Picture: Gaynor Fuller

Antoney Colley was cycling along the A2690 Combe Valley Way at about 6.20am on Sunday, May 26, 2019, when he was involved in a collision with a blue Vauxhall Astra.

The 53-year-old night security officer, of Sewell Avenue, Bexhill, was declared dead at the scene.

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To mark exactly a year since Antoney's death, his step-daughter Gaynor Fuller took her mum Jan - Antoney's widow - across the link road at 6.20am on Tuesday (May 26).

The tribute left to remember Antoney Colley. Picture: Gaynor FullerThe tribute left to remember Antoney Colley. Picture: Gaynor Fuller
The tribute left to remember Antoney Colley. Picture: Gaynor Fuller

It was the first time Jan had been to the scene since the collision, as she felt she needed to say goodbye to Antoney having been denied the chance a year ago due to the extent of his injuries.

For the first time, she saw the tribute to Antoney - two bicycle wheels and a helmet - which had been left at the scene shortly after his death.

Gaynor said: "We would love as a family find the person or people that have put up the tribute to Antoney as we are so thankful that it has been left as a mark of respect to him."

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Following his death, Antoney's family paid tribute to him saying: "Antoney was one of a kind, he would do anything for his family and friends. His work colleagues at the Sussex Exchange always spoke highly of him.

“Antoney was a friendly, caring person, he was generous and would always be willing to help even strangers. He loved to talk to everyone. He enjoyed his music, both listening and playing. He loved to walk his dogs every morning on his return from work.

“Antoney was a wonderful husband, step-dad and step-grandad, and he took pride in talking about his family, especially his grandchildren.

“We have a gaping hole that can never be filled, as he was so tragically taken from us, but will live on in our hearts forever.

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“We cannot thank the emergency services enough and the care that he received at the scene for doing all that was possible for Antoney."

Mathew George Gardiner, 35, of Preston Road, Bexhill, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and pleaded guilty at a hearing on February 26, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

He is due to be sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on July 17.

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