Graham Mills (1949-2007)

CTC members have been shocked to learn of the recent sudden death of leading Welsh cyclist and organiser Graham Mills..

Amongst other commitments, Graham was Chair of CTC Cymru, a former CTC Councillor, regular event organiser, winning rider and a local campaigner. The Vice Chair of CTC Cymru, Roy Spilsbury, had spoken to Graham just yesterday saying, “He was as buoyant as ever, busy planning and preparing for coming events including the 2008 Birthday Rides.” CTC Director Kevin Mayne said, “We will all miss Graham; his passion for cycling, especially in Wales, was infectious”.

As a cycling activist Graham had few equals. His energy and enthusiasm was legendary. But it was in his ability to make friends that he excelled. As Dave Hill, editor of CTC Chester & North Wales magazine THE LINK, said within hours of receiving the news: 'I've lost my best friend and will sorely miss Graham's company. Someone so genuinely good did not deserve to die at such an early age'.

All would surely agree that to see Graham approaching with his big smile and rich voice was to know that the day would be that much richer. An essentially modest man, private but at the same time gregarious, he gave all to his love of cycling.

Sympathies go to his devoted wife Brenda, and Graham's mother living in St Asaph.

Graham's funeral was at Wrexham Crematorium, Thursday 29th March 2007. Donations to Woodland Trust.

Guidance for donating to Woodland Trust: Graham's wife, Brenda, and close friend Dave Hill aim to collect enough donations to fund an acre of woodland and erect a bench or memorial post in a Welsh woodland near to where so many have ridden with Graham. Such a memorial would be open to visitors at all times.

The fund can be viewed and donations made by visiting www.dedicatetrees.com

Enter 'Graham' in the search funds box in the top right hand side of the page, click Graham Mills and follow the online directions to donate via the secure server.

For those without direct internet access, call Freephone 0800 0269650 to make a donation.

If you have a memory of Graham you wish to share with others, drop us a line and we'll surely find space.

Gayle Richards: I knew Graham from his days working with learning disabled adults at the then St. David's residential home in Carrog. Graham was a kind and caring person with infinite patience. He really made a difference to the residents' lives, challenging stereotypes and reaching out to people who had difficulty showing emotion and expressing their needs. Graham often used to tell me stories of cyclists' exploits, riding hundreds of miles in a week: this always filled me with awe as I would be gasping for air just walking to the shops! I live in Spain now but a few weeks ago I was in the UK and I met up with Graham for a chat over a curry; he was telling me all about a recent visit to Spain on a cycling holiday and I pulled his leg over you cyclists being a nutty bunch for riding up 1 in 10 gradients for miles in the sweltering heat AND actually enjoying it! I will think of Graham every time I see a group of cyclists whizzing by.

David Bathers ex CTC National Councillor for Wales: We have indeed lost a good friend, a devoted cyclist and above all a very caring person. He was always jolly, had a great laugh and voice . He was to his toe clips an Audax man - "Mills the Hills"- famous for his route planning: "only a few lumps" meant bottom cog for most experienced riders. He always recognised the efforts put in by other people. He used his charm, tenacity and overall diplomacy to further the important aspects of cycling. His best Mercian was bought from money given by his dad. He was a good bike mechanic and helped others to get the best out of cycling. We should all remember Graham as a first class ambassador for cycling in Wales

Rod King Warrington Cycling Campaign & CTC: It is often said that cyclists, on average, live longer than others. Therefore, perhaps its an even greater shock when such an active cyclist and passionate supporter of cycling should die so young. At the same time, I believe that cyclists, on average, live better than others. A quiet contentment with the rhythm of pedalling, making consistent progress towards your goal, coupled with the commitment to put that extra effort in up the hills and then the verve and passion of quick descents, are characteristics that we carry into the rest of our lives as well. No matter how well any of us knew Graham, we all have experienced the same emotions, trials and achievements in varying degrees. I therefore salute Graham's life and mourn his loss.

Bryan Wade, Hon. Sec. CTC Chester & North Wales: I am in Singapore, returning shortly. Graham's contribution to cycling has been immense. It's hard to think of anyone more respected and known right across the country.

Nicole Williams writes: 'It was with great shock and sadness that I learned of Graham's sudden death. He was a very tender, gentle, man - a really good person. Such a shame he died so young.' Nichole recalls working with Graham at St David's, and his commitment to his more demanding clients. He found it hilarious when she accidentally wrote off the firm's minibus. Oddly, the manager didn't find it so amusing.