Hairy Bikers star Dave Myers awarded huge honour in hometown after tragic death
The Hairy Bikers star has been awarded the freedom of his hometown, Barrow-in-Furness, by the town council, four months after his death, aged 66
Dave Myers has been posthumously honoured with the freedom of his hometown, Barrow-in-Furness, four months after the beloved TV chef passed away at 66 following a courageous battle with cancer.
His widow, Liliana, took to Facebook to express her gratitude: "Barrow in Furness. WHAT AN HONOUR! ! ! ! Thank you Barrow Town Council." (sic)
The Hairy Bikers star's wife, who he married in 2011, accepted the award during a heartfelt tribute event in the Cumbrian town, affectionately termed Dave Day, over the weekend.
The accolade was bestowed upon Myers in recognition of his contributions to the community and fostering civic pride.
The Freedom of the Town is the highest award that a town council can offer.
Deputy mayor Cllr Chatfield remarked on the significance of the award, stating: "Councillor Dani Patrova made the suggestion to the town council.
"The town council discussed it and we felt it was appropriate to give the Freedom of the Town posthumously because of the amount of work he had done within the town and the fact he cared about it.
"We felt it was appropriate to do that for him, for Lili."
The commemorative Dave Day featured an impressive convoy of around 20,000 bikers who rode a 16-mile journey from London to Myers' northern hometown. The deputy mayor described being part of the day as a "privilege", reports the Mirror.
He continued: "It was an absolutely amazing day. The people of Barrow were absolutely amazing - words don't do it justice. The whole day was emotional because it was celebrating a Barrow lad who sadly passed away too early.
"Lili did feel emotional which I think anybody would. I think it was a surprise for her, but I hope it was a pleasant surprise. It ended the day on a lovely note. The crowd was just amazing - I could feel the love. It was a proud moment for Barrow."
Dave's Hairy Bikers co-star Si King was visibly moved by the turnout of people at Dave Day. Appearing on BBC Breakfast, he said: "It's a celebration of my best friend that we've lost. And, yeah, it is, it's very emotional.
"You never know how these things are going to impact you, you know, it is a celebration of Dave's life. That's why we're here because he was so irritatingly positive all of the time. And we love him and that's why we're here."
