DOUBLE tragedy struck a Long Preston woman when her sister died from cancer just an hour after her husband was killed in a crash.

Keen motorcyclist Bob Allaway, who died in a collision at the weekend, will be given a “proper” biker’s send-off.

He was killed on the A65 near Settle on Saturday when his yellow Pioneer machine was in a head-on crash with a black Nissan Note car.

Bob was 46 and married to Lorraine.

According to his friend Dax Hewitt, of Leeds, Mrs Allaway also had to cope with the death of her sister, who lost her fight against cancer an hour later.

Mr Hewitt said: “Bob was bursting full of life and would share anything he had with anyone.

“I met him six years ago through charity events and we’ve been like brothers ever since – he was one of those people you just click with instantly.”

This week, Mr Hewitt set up a web page to help pay for a “proper” send-off and, in just two days, had raised more than £4,300.

Writing on the page, he said: “We are trying to get enough cash to pay for a bike hearse to take Bob on one last ride to Devils Bridge, where we will have a brew and a burger then escort him to the funeral in Skipton.

“Both Bob and Lorraine have done loads for charity and never asked anything from anyone, and either of them would give the shirt off their back to help a total stranger, so it’s time for their friends to help them.

“Bob was the best man I have ever had the privilege to know and the loss of him is far greater than any words.”

Donations are still being taken at gofundme.com/nq5k2wfsm, but a date for the funeral has yet to be arranged.

Bob had two jobs – delivering animal feed for Henry Waddington Ltd in Halton West, and working as a gamekeeper. He had previously served in the Royal Artillery for almost 14 years.

The collision happened at about midday near The Courtyard at Cleatop.

The driver of the Nissan car, a 48-year-old man from Leeds, was arrested at the scene and has since been released on bail while further inquiries take place.

The road was closed for several hours to allow emergency services to deal with the collision and to allow investigators to examine the scene. It reopened at about 5pm.

Anyone who witnessed the collision itself, or either vehicle prior to the crash, is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option two and ask for TC Martin Mulcaster of the Major Collision Investigation Team.

Alternatively, e-mail Martin.Mulcaster@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Please quote reference number 12150174927.