Gran dies a week after being hit by cyclist

BEST friends . . . May Stockley (right) with daughter Susan

A grandmother has died a week after being knocked over by a cyclist in a freak accident.

May Stockley (81) was unloading shopping from her car in Rochdale Road, Royton on May 26 when she was hit by a cyclist riding on the pavement.

Her daughter Susan (57) ran to help as a neighbour called an ambulance. May suffered a broken arm and fractured shoulder in the collision. May died nine days later, the exact cause of death not yet known.

Susan, who enjoyed an annual holiday to Spain with her mum, said: “In hospital my mum said she forgave the cyclist and it was only an accident. Perhaps he just clipped her. He needs to come forward so we can find out what happened.”

Police are now trying to trace the cyclist, a man in his 20s, and any other witnesses.

Susan was in the house when the cyclist ran in to say he had hit May.

“The cyclist kept asking if she was OK and saying sorry. But then we went to hospital and I never saw him again,” said Susan. “I can’t remember anything about him, it’s all a blur.

“I don’t know what i’ll do without her. She was my best friend, my only friend. She was a lovely happy-go-lucky lady. I don’t know what to do.”

Police coroner’s officer, Steve Brickell, said: “I am keen to speak to witnesses to the incident and, more importantly, the cyclist involved. He may not have been aware just how seriously May was injured, but it is vitally important we speak to him.”

Anyone with information should call 0161-856 4742.