Stockport workwear manufacturer kits out fire crew bike riders

The name of a Stockport industrial workwear specialist was on view from John O’Groats to Land’s End when a group of fire personnel took on the cycle marathon to raise funds for charity. 

Wearing special cycling ‘fire suits’ 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!”

Chief Fire Officer, Dave Etheridge, who lead the ride said: “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.”

Pictured: Proudly sporting shirts sponsored by industrial workwear specialist Ballyclare Limited are the Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service cycle team, who recently completed a marathon fundraising trek from John O’Groats to Land’s End.