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24
Dec 2022
Cyclists light up Harrogate streets to raise funds in memory of founder
Fifteen cyclists took to the streets of Harrogate in festive style in memory of one of the group's founders.
Members of Bertie Bikers toured the streets of Harrogate, calling into pubs to collect donations for the British Heart Foundation.
The event was held in memory of group founder Andy Sample, who died unexpectedly earlier this year after suffering a heart attack.
Co-founder Mark Madeley said:
Mr Sample, who was a grandfather and worked at Bettys and Taylors, helped to set up the group almost two decades ago. As a customer of Prospect Building Supplies in Starbeck, he met employees Mark Gilbert and Gary Johnson.
Mr Madeley, who is Mr Gilbert's brother-in-law, said the trio began discussing ways of keeping fit as they headed into their 40s, and a cycling group was set up by all four of them.
It has met every Thursday since to tour parts of Harrogate and Knaresborough, often ending at Bertie's on Knaresborough Road. More friends and colleagues have been added to the numbers over the years.
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The annual Christmas ride began a few years ago, complete with costumes and decorated bikes, but has never been used to raise money - until now.
More than £750 has been raised already, with donations still rolling in, and Mr Madeley said the group is planning to use the Christmas ride as a fundraiser every year from now on:
To donate to the British Heart Foundation in Mr Sample's memory, click here. To find out more about Bertie Bikers, click here to email Mr Madeley.
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