Dave Myers has been posthumously awarded the freedom of his home town.
The TV chef has been awarded with the honour by Barrow-in-Furness town council - four months after his death, aged 66, following a battle with cancer. His wife Liliana wrote on Facebook: “Barrow in Furness. WHAT AN HONOUR!!!! Thank you Barrow Town Council.”
Liliana, who married the Hairy Bikers star in 2011, was presented the award at a tribute event in the Cumbrian town, dubbed Dave Day, at the weekend. He was given the award in recognition of his service to the community and the promotion of civic pride.
Deputy mayor Cllr Chatfield said it was “appropriate” to award the honour. He said: “Councillor Dani Patrova made the suggestion to the town council. The town council discussed it and we felt it was appropriate to give the Freedom of the Town posthumously because of the amount of work he had done within the town and the fact he cared about it.
“We felt it was appropriate to do that for him, for Lili.” Dave Day saw a 16-mile long convoy of about 20,000 bikers travel there from London to his hometown, 300 miles north. The deputy mayor said it was a “privilege” to be part of the day.
Jonnie Irwin will record video messages for wife and kids to watch after he diesHe added: “It was an absolutely amazing day. The people of Barrow were absolutely amazing - words don’t do it justice. The whole day was emotional because it was celebrating a Barrow lad who sadly passed away too early.
“Lili did feel emotional which I think anybody would. I think it was a surprise for her, but I hope it was a pleasant surprise. It ended the day on a lovely note. The crowd was just amazing - I could feel the love. It was a proud moment for Barrow.”