Honour for dad who died in Morocco earthquake

A dad who died in an earthquake in Morocco has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to his local community.

Liverpool-born David Barden, 71, was cycling the world to raise money for the Red Cross charity when his hotel in the Atlas Mountains collapsed on 8 September and he was killed.

Wirral Council has recognised the retired teacher for his fundraising work with a Wirral Award.

His daughter Sarah Barden, 42, said she wished her dad was still alive to receive the accolade, but told the BBC he would have been "very happy" with it.

Ms Barden said: "He really deserves this. He is missed by many near and far for his humour and loyalty. He was the best dad in the world."

Mr Barden, who was a volunteer for the Secret Gardens of Oxton and membership secretary for the Oxton Society, died just days before his 72nd birthday.

He was taking part in a charity bike ride travelling 1,600 miles from Agadir to Santander when a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco on 8 September 2023, killing more than 2,900 people - the strongest to hit the country in more than 60 years at the time.

An online fundraising page set up by Mr Barden to raise money for the Red Cross has to date raised almost £10,000.

Mr Barden, who lived in Oxton, Wirral, had been a teacher at West Kirby Residential School for Special Educational Needs before he retired.

Since his retirement, he had been cycling around the world raising funds for a range of charities.

"He contributed so much to education, the preservation of green spaces on the Wirral and was committed to preserving Oxton's rich architectural and natural heritage," Ms Barden said.

Mr Barden was one of 10 volunteers recognised with a Wirral Award at a ceremony on 5 March.

Other winners included Gina Jacobs who was recognised for her work in helping bereaved parents.

Her stillborn son Robert was taken away from her immediately after she gave birth in February 1969 and it was not until 53 years later that she discovered where he had been buried.

She campaigned for a memorial plaque at Landican Cemetery and to help reunite other families with their lost loved ones.

Wirral mayor Jerry Williams said all of the winners had "gone above and beyond to improve or protect the lives of local people".

He said each winner earned their Wirral Award in "very different ways" but all had undoubtedly helped make Wirral "a better place to live for everyone”.

Other winners were Alan Dollery, Jack Blakemore, Mike Curtis, Paul Dufton, John Hilton, Rose Mullarkey, Chris Morris and Bill Price.

The RNLI in New Brighton was commended for saving 26 lives over the last four years.