Pamela Benson, the cyclist who died yesterday two weeks after a crash with a driver in a car, was on her way to meet friends for a group ride at the time of the collision in Co Sligo. The 78-year-old was a stalwart of Innisfree Wheelers, with tributes paid to her since her death on Thursday morning.
She had taken up cycling after retiring from a career in nursing, during which she nursed well known physicist Stephen Hawking, now deceased, shortly after graduating and while working in Cambridge in the 1960s.
Pamela also worked in Beaumont Hospital in her native Dublin and moved to Ballymote, Co Sligo, when she planned to retire 16 years ago. However, she went on to work for one more year in Sligo General Hospital.
Innisfree Wheelers paid tribute to her, saying: "It was with tremendous sadness that we learned of the passing of our friend and fellow Wheeler Pamela Benson. One of a kind, her generosity, enthusiasm, and zest for life were ever present. A huge presence within Innisfree Wheelers, she was a trooper to the end. Rest In Peace Pam."
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Yeats Country Cycling Club described Pamela as a "true lady" and an "inspiration". The club added: "All the members of Yeats Country Cycling Club would like to offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends and club mates in Innisfree Wheelers on the passing of Pam Benson."
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Connacht Cycling said they had learned of Pamela's death "with a sad heart", describing it as "terrible news" and adding she was a "lovely" woman.
Ballymote Heritage Group, where Pamela had been treasurer, said its members had learned of her death with "deep sadness". They described her as "a great friend".
Pamela took up running in her early 40s and competed in five Dublin marathons while also representing Ireland in her age group in cross country running. Having turned to cycling in a more serious way after retiring, she rode sportives in Ireland and also went on cycling trips abroad, including to India, Nepal and Vietnam.
She was involved in a crash last Sunday week with a driver in a car on the N4 at Collooney roundabout in Sligo at around midday. While she was taken by ambulance to Sligo General Hospital, she lost her fight for life yesterday.
Pamela is survived by her sisters Miriam and Judy, her niece Caroline and nephews Brian, Ralph, Niall, David, George, and Austin. She was predeceased by her brother, Charles.
Her funeral service was due to take place at Ballymote Church of Ireland at 2pm next Wednesday October 26th, followed by a private cremation service. Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, can be made at the church in aid of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.
