The name of a Stockport industrial workwear specialist was on view from John O’Groats to Land’s End when a group of dedicated fire personnel recently undertook a grueling cycle marathon to raise funds for charity.
Wearing special cycling ‘fire suits’ which were sponsored by Stockport-based Ballyclare Limited, the 18-strong team of riders from the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service completed a 1,006-mile trek in just 14 days.
“Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service has raised considerable sums for charity in the past, and this time was aiming to collect £100,000 for The Fire Fighters Charity,” says Ballyclare Managing Director, Carlton Greener. “We were delighted to help out with sponsorship on what was a very tough challenge for them. The team were wearing cycling tops which had been specially designed to resemble the Pro-Tek Ultra Structural Firefighter Tunics which we produce, so having our name featured on each one was especially appropriate.”
Carlton himself also went one step further by joining the riders for a portion of their journey as they passed through part of Staffordshire. “We wanted to have a Ballyclare representative join them and give them some moral support on their ride,” he adds. “I have to say though that I’m glad I wasn’t with them for the whole 1,006-mile trek!”
“We had three aims for the ride which were to raise money, promote health and well-being, and make it to Land’s End safe and sound!” adds Chief Fire Officer, Dave Etheridge, who lead the ride. “Our riders’ ages ranged from early 20s to 63, and each one gave up their own time to train, ride and raise funds. We were really well-supported by various other Fire Service regions as we passed through their areas, and to have a company like Ballyclare add their support as well – both financially and on the road – gave us an invaluable extra boost.”
Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the team’s fundraising efforts should go to Virgin Money Giving,
