Family and friends of a tree surgeon tragically killed at work raised more than £17,000 with a sponsored bike ride in his memory.
Thirty-five cyclists pedalled 200 miles to and from Scarborough on the Coast to Roast ride last weekend.
The riders spent around 20 hours in the saddle to raise money in memory Martin Hanks, 34, of Thurstonland, who died while working near Barnsley in April.
The money raised will be shared between a trust fund for Martin’s two children Lucca, four, and 12-month-old Esme and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
The ride started and finished at Martin’s local pub, the Rose and Crown in Thurstonland, with an overnight stop at his family’s favourite holiday resort Scarborough.
It was dubbed the Coast to Roast as the riders were joined by up to 300 friends and relatives at the end to enjoy a Yorkshire roast dinner to celebrate the achievement and Martin’s life.
The campaign has raised £17,137 so far with donations from several local businesses.
Ride organiser John Davies-Riand said: “It was a tough ride for some but even tougher for most, particularly as many hadn’t ridden a bike since they were teenagers.
“Everyone involved with the ride is exhausted but ecstatic to have smashed the target of £10,000 and it’s hoped the total will be around £20,000 when all donations are collected.
“While there are some aching limbs and sore backsides, there are big smiles on every single face for what has been achieved.
“The money raised for Martin’s two young children will mean they can use it to spend on their future when they leave school, be that going to university or starting a business.
“We’re pleased that we’re able to help the Yorkshire Air Ambulance too. They attended Martin’s accident within a matter of minutes and provide a vital service.”
Close friend John paid tribute to Martin and added: “He was a proud Yorkshireman and the centre of many people’s lives.
“He was taken from his family and friends far too early while doing the job he loved. Martin had such an infectious personality, his company was rewarding for everyone who spent time with him and he had enormous love for his family and friends.
“The pain of his death will last with us forever.”
Donations can still be made to both the trust fund and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
For more information on the trust fund write to: Emma Hanks, c/o Vets4Pets Leeds, 178 Easterly Road, Leeds, LS8 3AD, while donations to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance can be made at www.justgiving.com/HanksAMillion .
