Heartbreaking Reason Hairy Biker Dave Myers Widow Avoids Show

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The passing of beloved Hairy Biker Dave Myers in February 2024 left fans across the UK and beyond heartbroken. His final television journey, ‘The Hairy Bikers Go West’, which aired shortly before his death, holds a poignant significance for viewers. However, for his widow, Lili Myers, the series represents a deeply personal and painful reminder of his final days.

Lili Myers has recently shared the profound emotional struggle she faces when confronted with her late husband’s last on-screen adventure. She revealed that she is simply unable to watch the series, particularly now that it is scheduled for a rerun on BBC Two on July 15th. Her candid admission sheds light on the immense courage Dave displayed during filming and the heartbreaking reality of his health battle.

A Courageous Final Journey on Screen

‘The Hairy Bikers Go West’ documented Dave Myers and his co-star and lifelong friend, Si King, as they explored the culinary and cultural landscapes along the UK’s west coast. Filmed throughout 2023 while Dave was undergoing cancer treatment, the series captured moments of joy, friendship, and, for many viewers, an underlying sense of poignancy given Dave’s visible health struggles.

For Lili, watching these episodes back is not a comforting experience. It serves as a stark reminder of the immense challenges Dave faced behind the scenes. She knows firsthand the physical toll his illness took and the extraordinary effort required for him to complete the filming.

The ‘Superhuman Effort’ to Keep Filming

Lili described Dave’s dedication to finishing the series as a “superhuman effort.” Battling cancer treatment is an arduous process, involving numerous hospital appointments, physical fatigue, and significant bodily changes. For a public figure like Dave, who was known for his vibrant personality and distinctive appearance, these changes were particularly difficult.

The loss of his hair, a defining part of his public image, was a challenge to his sense of identity. Furthermore, cancer treatment often affects taste buds, diminishing the very pleasure he derived from food – the foundation of his career.

Filming as a Lifeline Amidst Illness

Despite the immense physical and emotional toll, Dave was determined to work. Lili explained that she encouraged him to take on the series because she believed it held deep personal meaning for him. During his treatment, Dave felt a sense of losing his identity, exacerbated by physical changes.

Filming provided him with a crucial sense of purpose and normalcy. It allowed him to feel valuable, whole, and, importantly, like himself again. For Lili, enabling him to feel this way was paramount. She felt the series could make him feel that he hadn’t lost anything, that life wasn’t entirely defined by his illness.

The Weight of a Difficult Decision

Undertaking such a demanding project while battling a serious illness was not a decision Dave made lightly. Lili recalled lengthy and heartfelt conversations they shared about whether he should film the series. Dave was deeply concerned about maximizing their precious time together.

He explicitly told Lili that he would only do the series if she was truly comfortable with it, stating he wouldn’t want to deprive her of their time. This demonstrates the depth of his consideration and love for her throughout their nearly 20 years together, including 13 years of marriage after meeting in Romania.

A Look That Spoke Volumes

One particular memory stands out for Lili as profoundly difficult and telling. She will never forget the look on Dave’s face once filming for ‘The Hairy Bikers Go West’ was complete. In that look, she sensed a deep understanding from Dave – a quiet acknowledgment that this project would likely be his last.

This powerful, unspoken moment underscores the bravery with which Dave faced his illness and his commitment to his passion and his viewers until the very end. Knowing he might have felt this way makes revisiting the series incredibly painful for Lili.

The Episode She Could Watch

Dave, Lili, and Si King watched the very first episode of ‘The Hairy Bikers Go West’ together when it originally aired in early February 2024. This was the only episode Lili was able to watch.

She explained that she couldn’t bring herself to view the subsequent episodes because Dave became significantly more ill shortly after. Watching the series now would be inextricably linked with the painful memories of his final decline.

Navigating the Depths of Grief

Lili Myers has been open about the immense difficulty of navigating grief following Dave’s death. She has spoken about the initial shock of hearing the word “cancer” and the overwhelming feeling that accompanies it. She described the subsequent journey through hospital corridors, the shattering of future plans and dreams, and the painful self-recrimination that can arise.

Thoughts like “What should I do?” followed by “I should have, I could have, I would have” reflect the complex emotional landscape of losing a loved one to a long illness. This personal insight into her grief further explains why watching Dave on screen, knowing his fate, is simply too much to bear.

An Outpouring of Love and a Lasting Legacy

Dave Myers’ passing prompted an outpouring of grief and support from fans and friends alike. His warmth, humour, and genuine passion resonated with millions. Since his death, efforts have been made to honour his memory and continue his spirit of generosity.

The ‘Dave Day’ events, organized by friends and family, see thousands of bikers travel from London to Dave’s hometown of Barrow-in-Furness. These events serve as a powerful tribute and have successfully raised thousands of pounds for charitable causes. This year’s event supported NSPCC Childline and CancerCare North Lancashire and south Cumbria, continuing Dave’s legacy of kindness and community support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it difficult for Dave Myers’ widow, Lili, to watch his final TV series?

Lili Myers finds watching ‘The Hairy Bikers Go West’ deeply painful for several reasons. She knows how unwell Dave was during filming and the “superhuman effort” he made to complete it despite his illness. She also remembers the look on his face after filming, which she believes showed he knew it was his last series. Watching it reminds her too strongly of his health battle and final decline.

When is ‘The Hairy Bikers Go West’ series being rerun on television?

‘The Hairy Bikers Go West’, the final series featuring Dave Myers, is scheduled for a rerun on BBC Two. The seven-episode series will begin broadcasting again on Tuesday, July 15th, starting at 7 pm. The series was originally filmed in 2023 and first aired in February 2024.

What legacy has Dave Myers left behind beyond his television work?

Beyond his extensive television career with Si King, Dave Myers is remembered for his warmth and community spirit. Friends and family have established ‘Dave Day’ events, where bikers gather annually for a memorial ride to his hometown. These events serve as a tribute and raise significant funds for charities, including NSPCC Childline and CancerCare North Lancashire and south Cumbria, continuing his positive impact.

Conclusion

Lili Myers’ heartfelt revelation offers a tender glimpse into the personal cost of Dave Myers’ dedication. ‘The Hairy Bikers Go West’ stands as a testament to his resilience and passion, completed against immense personal challenges. While the series celebrates his love for food, travel, and friendship, for those closest to him, it carries the heavy weight of being his final act. The upcoming rerun reminds us not only of Dave’s enduring legacy on screen but also the profound impact his loss has had on his family, friends, and the countless fans who continue to mourn the passing of a true television icon.

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