Tributes Paid to Cornwall Blood Bikes Vice Chair Tim Cookman

Cornwall Blood Bikes Mourns Loss of Vice Chair After Cancer Battle

Ten years of service. Nearly 20,000 miles ridden in a single year. A friendship forged on the open road that took in Route 66. Cornwall Blood Bikes is grieving the man at the heart of it all.

The charity has announced that its Vice Chair, Tim Cookman, passed away on Wednesday 6th May 2026 with his family by his side. He had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2024.

In a statement, charity Chair Jayne Penlerick described Tim as “a proud family man, a proud Cornishman and a proud Cornwall Blood Biker,” adding that he had “time for simply everyone” and was “always the first to step forward to help in any situation.”

A Decade of Service

Tim gave ten years to Cornwall Blood Bikes, taking on roles that ranged from rider and coordinator to fundraiser and Quartermaster, the role in which he kept the charity’s kit in order. He was also part of what the charity calls the “pot possè” and the CBB pasty rating panel.

In 2021, he became the charity’s first ever full-time volunteer Operations Manager, a role Jayne said his career experience made him perfectly suited for.

His commitment behind the handlebars earned him the Iron Butt Trophy in 2020 after riding 19,348 miles for the charity during what Jayne called “unprecedented times.” In 2024, he was named winner of the Burt Reynolds Memorial Trophy for Volunteer of the Year.

Passion for Riding and Road Safety

Beyond his organisational roles, Tim was an advanced RoSPA tutor and a member of both RoSPA and the IAM. According to Jayne, “Many of our riders would not be where they are today without Tim’s training, guidance and belief in them.”

He also served as a charity check ride assessor, where Jayne said his people skills meant “he always went above and beyond to ensure everyone achieved their goals, he never wanted to see anyone fail.”

Tim played a key part, alongside Jayne, in building the collaborative work between Cornwall Blood Bikes, Cornwall Air Ambulance and the Blood on Board project. Jayne said he “truly believed in what could be achieved when organisations worked together for the good of the people of Cornwall.”

The Trio

Tim was part of a close trio within the charity, known as Prouty, Timster and the Tedmeister, alongside best friend Ted, the charity’s Operations Manager, and Ian “Prouty” Proudfoot, who passed away in April 2024.

Their friendship included a trip along Route 66. Jayne said their bond was “built on loyalty, laughter and unforgettable adventures” and was “something many could only ever dream of.”

Addressing Ted directly in the statement, Jayne wrote: “We send you our biggest love and strength as you come to terms with such a devastating loss. Please know we are all here for you.”

Family Tributes

Tim leaves behind his wife Sylvia, who is the charity’s Treasurer and a Trustee, his children Ross and Natalie, Rachael and Tony, and six grandchildren. Jayne said he was “so very proud of them all.”

On a personal note, Jayne wrote that Tim had held her up “when the going got tough” and stood by her “when I couldn’t see a way forward.”

She added: “Tim never did any of this for recognition or reward, he simply wanted to help others.”

The statement closes with a message to Tim himself: “The miles you have ridden serving the people of Cornwall and the lives you have touched will never be forgotten, and every time a bike goes out on ‘a ride with a purpose’ you will be remembered.”

“Ride safe, our dear friend, until we meet again.”