Aico, manufacturer of residential Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms in the UK, has raised over £19,000 in donations for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) with a charity bike ride from Aico’s premises in Shropshire to its parent company Ei Electronics in Shannon, Ireland; a journey of 247 miles.

The bike ride took place over four grueling days, 13th – 16th September, and involved eleven Aico staff as well as riders from Ei Electronics and Denmans Electrical Wholesalers, bringing the total to 39 people, who between them have raised £45,000. Not only did it involve a considerable distance for the amateur bike riders, but also height, with 9,941ft climbed.

The charity bike ride was organised by Aico Managing Director Neal Hooper to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation, whose mission is to win the fight against cardiovascular disease. To date, £19,230 has been raised by Aico, but donations are still coming in. If you would like to donate a Just Giving page has been set up: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/aico-ei

Warren Appleby, BHF Fundraising Manager, Shropshire, said: "A huge congratulations and thank you to each Aico rider for their total commitment to the challenge. We really appreciate all the preparation and also the significant support of staff colleagues and their families. The £19,230 will provide an incredible boost to BHF's life-saving and dedicated heart research projects, all thanks to the Aico 4 day challenge".

“I would like to thank everyone for their help and support with this charitable event” says Aico Managing Director Neal Hooper. “It has been a monumental task, involving considerable training for all the bike riders, including myself. I’d like to name the individual Aico riders in recognition of the huge effort they have put into this event: James Cavan, Carl Connelly, Lee Duffy, Daniel Little, Gary Mason, Duncan Orr, Matt Small, Andrew Sturgess, Dan Thomas and Michael Wright.

“Aico has an excellent history of charitable works, be it on an individual staff basis or on a company basis. We try to give something back to our immediate community as well as to national charities that our staff identify as important to them.”