Tragic cyclist Ozzy ‘saves lives’ this Christmas as funeral appeal launched

A cyclist who died following a crash has given the gift of life this Christmas - as he was on the organ donor register. A fund-raising appeal[1] set up in Ozzy Savage's memory explains that his death has meant people's lives have been saved due to his 'wish'. The 55-year-old 'loving' dad', from Bucknall, was riding his bicycle in Bucknall New Road[2] in Hanley when he was involved in a collision with a white Mercedes Sprinter van near the junction with Bucknall Old Road.

He was rushed to the Royal Stoke University Hospital where he died two days later on Wednesday, December 18. Now an appeal[3] has been launched to help the family of Ozzy - formerly known as John Walker - to meet the costs of the funeral. More than GBP300 has been pledged towards a GBP3,000 target.

The page - set up by Ruth Walker - reads: "Me and my family need help please. On the 16/12/24 Ozzy Savage was in a road traffic accident on the way home to Bucknall Road. He as passed at the Royal Stoke Hospital peacefully with his family by his side.

"But with his passing he is going to help many people and young children's lives through organ donation, which he was registered with as this was his wish. His son Nathan, an ex-British soldier, needs your help to raise funds for his funeral. "Please help to donate to give Ozzy the send off that he deserves.

He was an amazing father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He will be forever missed. We will appreciate any help and will be very grateful for any donations."

Emergency services had been sent to Bucknall New Road at around 1.35pm on Monday, December 16. The van driver was not injured.

In a tribute, his loved-ones said: "Ozzy Savage, formerly known as John Walker, loving father, brother and uncle. He loved the outdoors and nature, he was always about on his push bike and he was always there for friends and family through thick and thin, whenever anyone needed help.

We are sad that he has passed but his memory will live on." Staffordshire Police have renewed an appeal for witnesses. A force spokesman said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who was travelling in the area with any information or dashcam footage which could help collision investigators.

Ozzy's family continue to be supported by specially-trained officers at this difficult time." Witnesses should call 101, quoting incident 553 of December 19 or message us using Live Chat on the force's website. You can also get in touch with collision investigators directly by emailing [email protected][4]

To support the GoFundMe appeal, click here.[5]

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References

1. ^ fund-raising appeal (www.gofundme.com)
2. ^ bicycle in Bucknall New Road (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
3. ^ appeal (www.gofundme.com)
4. ^ [email protected] (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)
5. ^ here. (www.gofundme.com)
6. ^ Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you - it's FREE (www.stokesentinel.co.uk)