A group of Thai cyclists are collecting donations on the internet for the family of Chilean cylist Juan Francisco Guillermo who lost his life after being hit by a pickup truck on Mitraphap Highway in Nakhon Ratchasima province on Feb 21.
The group has so far collected over 85,000 baht from donations through announcements on the website thaimtb.com.
The money will be handed over to the Chilean cyclist's Singaporean wife Ng Poh-Leng, 40, and their two-year-old son Lucas who were injured in the accident in the coming week. Mother and son are being treated at Bua Yai Hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima and are improving.
Guillermo was reportedly trying to set a Guinness World Record by cycling 250,000 kilometres on five continents over five years. His journey started from Chile in November 2010 and was scheduled to end in November this year. His final destination was Australia.
His quest ended prematurely when was killed instantly in the accident on the Mitraphap Highway between kilometre markers 247 and 248 at tambon Nong Wa of Nakhon Ratchasima's Bua Lai district on Feb 21.
His body is still being kept at Bua Yai Hospital. A funeral for him has not yet been scheduled, pending the recovery of his wife and son.
Meanwhile, about 300 members of the cyclist networks of Waeng Noi and Phon districts of Khon Kaen and Bua Lai district on Sunday performed an activity in remembrance of Guillermo.
They cycled from in front of Nong Wa tambon administration organisation office to the spot where the accident occurred and laid flowers and condolence notes at the scene.