A cyclist died after being hit by a car as it overtook a lorry near Ashford, an inquest opening heard.

John Durey was taking part in an organised cycle event on May 31 when a white Mercedes tried to pass a lorry and struck him as he travelled in the opposite direction.

The 69-year-old retired production engineer was taken to Kings College Hospital in London with multiple injuries and put into an induced coma, before he died on June 5.

Mr Durey, of Warren Street, Lenham, was cycling towards Ashford when he was hit
by the Mercedes A180 on the A2070 in Kingsnorth at about 7.20pm.

He was described by son Oliver as an “inspirational father who was always extremely patient and nurturing”.

Oliver is now raising money for the Kent, Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance to thank them for giving his father a chance of survival.

So far he has raised £1,375.47 and anybody who wishes to donate can do so via the JustGiving page.

On the appeal page Oliver wrote: “It is all thanks to the Air Ambulance that he was given any chance of survival.

"They are invaluable to the communities they serve and we couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing service they provide.

"My dad has always championed the Air Ambulance and would be very proud that the support for their brave work will continue in his name.”

Mr Durey took part in charity cycling events. He was an Ashford Wheelers Cycling Club member, and he is believed to have been riding with them at the time of the accident.

Following his death, the club paid tribute to him and posted: “The whole club feels completely empty. Our thoughts are with John’s family.”

The Ashford Wheelers cancelled a planned race the same week as a mark of respect.

During the opening of the inquest held at Archbishop’s Palace, Maidstone, it was revealed the cause of death was pulmonary emboli.

The full inquest is expected to resume on Tuesday, October 31.