Addingham biker is killed in crash with cow while raising money for charity (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Addingham biker is killed in crash with cow while raising money for charity

8:00am Friday 3rd August 2012 in News By Jonathan Redhead, Ilkley/Otley Reporter

A motorcyclist who was killed when his bike collided with a cow in central Asia “was living his dream”, according to a friend.

An inquest was opened yesterday into the death of David John Rayner, of Low Mill Fold, Addingham , who died in Kazakhstan last month.

Mr Rayner, known to his friends as Sid, was taking part in a charity ride to help Mongolian children when the accident happened.

According to reports from a news agency in Kazakhstan, Mr Rayner, who had crossed into the country a few days before the fatal accident, was travelling along the M32 highway, when he collided with the cow, which was apparently crossing the road.

It said the incident happened at about 7pm on Saturday, July 7, and Mr Rayner, 36, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Forensic examinations and technical investigations are now underway into Mr Rayner’s death while the inquest was opened and adjourned in the Bradford coroner’s office yesterday.

Details of the fatal incident have been placed on several biker forums, and one man, called Paul Whitworth, who says he was a friend of Mr Rayner, posted to say: “He was living his dream, and was also doing it for a cause he believed in”.

It is understood Mr Rayner was riding to raise funds for the Children and Young People’s Protection and Development (CYPPD), which is a non-governmental organisation working in Mongolia to support and protect vulnerable children.

On his Facebook page Mr Whitworth described Mr Rayner as “a good friend sorely missed”.

It is also believed Mr Rayner was a keen climbing enthusiast and several of his friends on Facebook have posted tributes and pictures of him in action including tackling rocks on Ilkley Moor.