A CYCLING fanatic has died after colliding with a van while doing “what he loved best.”

Graham Shutt, 45, a keen member of Burnley and Pendle Cyclists Touring Club, suffered serious head injuries and was taken to hospital by a passing ambulance.

His “heartbroken” mother paid tribute to her “unassuming and helpful” son.

She said it was apt that he died while he was pursuing his passion in life - cycling.

And she added that his spirit will live on in others after his organs were donated to people waiting for operations.

Fellow riders from Burnley and Pendle CTC also said the “strong and determined” cyclist will be sorely missed by everyone at the club.

Mr Shutt, of Leyland Close, Trawden, died on Sunday after an accident in Keighley on Saturday. He worked as a senior design engineer at Holroyd Precision Ltd, in Milnrow, near Rochdale.

According to those who knew him best he was most happy when he was out cycling all over East Lancashire.

Sheila Neild, Graham’s mother, with whom he lived, said: “He was a quiet person and a bit unassuming. One of my neighbours recently told me he moved lots of snow from her path, which I didn’t have a clue about - that’s what he was like.

“I’m heartbroken to tell the truth. He did a lot for us and I will miss him so much.

“Cycling was his passion and even the nurse at the hospital said he died pursuing what he loved most.”

Despite Graham not having a donor card, his mum said she decided to make his organs available for transplant.

She added: “It’s what he would have wanted - to carry on helping people.

“He was a very healthy person - there wasn’t a hill in the lake district he hadn’t climbed.

“We’ve heard that one person has already had his liver and is doing alright.”

Graham’s death marks a double tragedy for his family after his brother Michael, 54, died of asbestos poisoning in November last year.

Since his brother’s death Graham had taken over his role running the Trawden Scout group.

Mr Shutt had been on cycling tours around Sweden, Norway, and also taken on the Rockies mountain range in America and Canada.

He also successfully completed The Bob Graham Round, a 72 mile, 27,000 foot circuit of 42 of the highest peaks in the Lake District in 24 hours.

Ian Lowcock, president of Burnley and Pendle CTC, said: “Always riding with care both for himself and other road users, he was eagerly looking forward to a 10 day cycle tour of Scotland which he had organized in mid-May.

“Graham was a strong and determined rider, who was both membership secretary and runs co-ordinator for Burnley and Pendle Cyclists Touring Club.

“He rode regularly on the clubs long ride and the Tuesday evening social rides which finished at the Cross Gaits Inn, Blacko. He will be sorely missed.”

Mr Shutt attended Christ Church CE Primary School and then Park High School, in Colne.

He then went on to study at Nelson and Colne College before reading design engineering at Leeds University.

His funeral will take place at St Mary’s Church in Trawden, followed by a cremation at Skipton. Donations are requested in lieu of Friends of Airedale.

Police said Mr Shutt had been heading from Hard Ings Road onto the A629 Skipton roundabout, intending to go onto B6265 road to head to Utley at the time of the accident.

Police are investigating and anyone with any information about the incident should contact police on 0845 6060606.