Robert had been taking part in a charity bike ride in aid of Papaya from Calais to Nice when he lost his balance stopping on his bike and toppled over a wall suffering serious injury after landing on the road below.  Robert passed away at the scene with his team mates beside him.

Incredibly, Robert started the charity ride as a non-cyclist which goes to prove what a legend of a man he was.  Always smiling, much loved and admired by so many.

Robert only started refereeing at 52 years of age but made an instant impact on local football, bringing his many years of football knowledge into his refereeing.  He moved quickly from Level 7 to Level 5 and was seen most weekends during the season refereeing both adult and youth football.

On hearing the sad news Referee Development Officer, Kevin Small said “I was completely shocked when I heard the sad news about Robert.  He will be hugely missed.  He was a good solid local referee who was respected by players and refereeing colleagues alike.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time”.