A “pedal power” partnership between two local companies has netted £1,100 for charity.
Keighley-based Keybury Security Systems provided the “bodies”, while Firth Cycles in Queensbury loaned the “wheels” for a 24-mile charity bike ride in aid of Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Keybury personnel who completed the two-wheel marathon, starting and ending at Harewood House, Leeds, were managing director Frank Gee – back on a bike for the first time in 34 years – engineering manager Rob Crossley and trainee engineer Mortimer Hartley.
Frank explained: “The link-up with Barry Firth came about soon after he had taken over the cycle shop and contracted Keybury to install an insurance-approved intruder alarm system.
“He learned about the charity bicycle ride and as some of us didn’t have our own bikes was only too willing to provide us with three brand-new models, which made the going a lot more comfortable!
“We cannot thank him enough, along with our suppliers and business contacts for their generous sponsorship.”
Keybury Security, a key player in the regional security market, is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary in business, while Firth Cycles was launched in August.
Originally from the Bradford area, Barry moved away as an 18-year-old – round about the same time that Frank Gee last mounted a bike! – and spent many years on the road in the retail sector.
He has now returned to his home turf to live in Clayton, at the same time fulfilling a dream to open and run his own business. Barry is currently refurbishing the West End Road premises and says he intends to make it “one of the most modern bike shops in the business.”
Picture: Keybury Security’s managing director Frank Gee, right, shakes on a partnership that produced a “grand” result for charity with cycle shop owner Barry Firth