Andy Coles & Damien Natale; Damien Natale & Andy Coles. However you say it, it's not possible to rationalise the events of Monday evening when the two great friends, cyclists and Sportive organisers from Haddenham both died whilst doing something they so very much enjoyed.
Whether they were raising money for charity, creating and putting on events for others or just ensuring their mates had experiences of a lifetime, they were truly without equal. They tragically lost their lives when involved in a road traffic accident on the A40 near Studley Green, whilst they were heading back home via Stokenchurch.
Damien Natale
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Damien, our loving husband, doting father, cherished grandad, adored son and loyal friend. He was the one man you could always rely on and he touched the hearts of everyone he met. He had a passion for sports particularly football and cycling and was always the biggest team player. Him and Andy were selfless, organising cycling Sportives for charity in their spare time. Our idol. Our hero. Our hearts are broken."
Tracey, Coral & Brady and family
Andy Coles
"Great guys leave gaping holes and no words come close to expressing the devastation this tragedy brings to all Andy's family & friends. Andy was always smiling, had time for everyone as well as a cheeky one, every now and then. His energy and warmth helped him give so much and ensured the time we all spent with him was filled with love and laughter. He will be missed so very much by all who knew and loved him. A class act."
Helen and family
Cycling as a passion started in the Spring of 2012, when both helped found the Haddenham Hillbillies with the first adventure, cycling the C2C, raising money for The Chilterns MS Centre being the challenge that gave them the urge for more. They will though, from a cycling perspective, be best remembered as the kings of AllezSportives, running local events like The Sharpener and The Howler as well as supporting local businesses and charities with the events they helped organise such as Little Italy's, Circuito Del Caffe; Scan Appeal's, Scannaride and the Lutine Assurance, Ride4Life. There are many more and it is difficult to quantify how much money they helped raise over 8 years, but it was hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Two awesome guys who leave us with fantastic memories plus a gaping hole in the heart of the Haddenham community.
