Oil refinery workers jumped back on their bikes to remember a friend and colleague.
Staff at Essar Stanlow have again dug deep for the British Heart Foundation’s ‘Mending Broken Hearts Appeal’ in memory of former colleague Mal Parker, production manager at the refinery, who died in 2012.
The money raised through the third running of the Mal Parker Bike Ride was matched by Essar Oil UK with a cheque for £2,640 presented to Ken Fretwell from the national charity.
Robby Hamm, who took part in the ride with other Essar colleagues, explained: “This was the third running of the Mal Parker Bike Ride in support of the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
“Despite this year’s event taking place slightly later than usual and with limited planning, we still managed to raise the very creditable sum of £1,320 for the charity.
“Mal Parker was a dear friend and colleague of many of us and a great patron of Stanlow, which I think is perfectly illustrated by the response and generosity of both those that have sponsored these events over the last three years as well as those that have taken part.
“So given the circumstances around Mal’s shock demise, the continued support of the BHF in his name remains very fitting for both the charity and Stanlow.”
Mr Fretwell said: “We are very grateful to the Essar staff who have, yet again, raised money for our Mending Broken Hearts Appeal.
“The appeal is funding a very ambitious project to find a cure for heart failure.
“Living with severe heart failure is a constant fight for life.
“Every year, thousands of families have to watch the people they love struggle with this devastating condition.
“We’re at a critical stage in the UK’s fight against heart failure and we need donations to help us continue our vital work.”
Friends said of the first ride: “Mal’s tragic death was a great loss for his family, friends and colleagues so we wanted to do something to commemorate his life and support a charity whose principal aim is to prevent coronary heart disease.”
