Biker dies on killer Isle of Man TT race road – minutes after meeting his dad for first time in 35 years

A BIKER died in a crash on the killer Isle of Man TT race road – just 10 minutes after meeting his dad for the first time in 35 years.

Paul Cowell, 56, was killed instantly after colliding with a campervan on the notoriously dangerous road only moments after reuniting with his father.

The dad-of-two and stepfather is thought to have been blinded by the sun as he headed uphill near Guthrie's Memorial on the A18 Snaefell Mountain Road in Lezayre.

The road – renowned amongst motorcyclists – does not enforce a speed limit and is well known for its harsh hairpin bends.

More than 270 people, including racers, bystanders and motorists, are believed to have died on the deadly strip.

Motorbike-mad dad Paul had just met his own father for the first time in three and a half decades, before he tragically passed away moments later.

His step-daughter Demi Ramshaw, 22, told Lancs Live: "It's an awful story.

"Paul had reunited with his dad, who he hasn't seen for 35 years, for the first time and then ten minutes later he sadly lost his life."

Paul – who had recently become a grandfather – even proudly Facetimed his sons to meet their grandad for the first time.

Demi explained: "Then he left to do one last lap to visit where his mum's ashes had been spread close to Mountain Road.

"Me and my partner Danny have just had a baby who is only 12 days old
and he'd only got to meet him once. It's absolutely tragic.

"I think his partner Nicola is still in shock. She's travelled over to
the Isle of Man to see him."

Now his family are desperately trying to get Paul back home to say goodbye, but are battling against mammoth costs.

The cheapest they have been quoted is £6,000 to get the Isle of Man native back to his home in Fleetwood, where he worked as an HGV driver.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise funds to cover the costs
of travel and funeral arrangements for the late dad.

"DOING WHAT HE LOVES THE MOST"

Demi continued: "We've had some pretty big quotes from some funeral directors into the thousands however we think that this may be the cheapest one.

"We're currently at £2,570 and we have about 10 to 12 days before the
body is released so any little helps.

"We're really grateful to everyone who has donated so far."

Paul sadly leaves behind his two sons, Daniel, 32, Darren, 29, his step-daughter Demi, 22, his partner of 16 years Nicola Clark, 40 and his 12-day-old grandson, Lake Reeve.

Demi touchingly told donators he had "gained his wings far too early; whilst doing what he loves the most, riding his motorbike."

Isle of Man Police said an investigation into the cause of the crash was ongoing.

An inquest was opened and adjourned at Douglas Courthouse on Friday.

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