A KEIGHLEY cycling enthusiast who played a huge part in encouraging local participation in the 2014 Tour de France will be remembered in fitting style a year after his death.

Frank O'Dwyer, a retired engineer from Black Hill, fell ill shortly after the race passed through the town in July 2014. He died in Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice in January 2015.

The hospice now intends to mark the first anniversary of his death by launching a group to help with its cycling activities.

Manorlands fundraiser, Andrew Wood, who is leading the project, said: "Frank was a tremendous inspiration and helped to boost our cycling events greatly.

"A year on from his passing, we are looking to set up a small group of enthusiastic people who can take these events to their full potential.

"We are in a very good position, in that we have gained sponsorship for all our three well-established cycling events in 2016 from All Terrain Cycles.

"We just need people who have some of the dedication and enthusiasm Frank showed for both cycling and our work at Manorlands."

Contact Mr Wood on 01535 640176 or e-mail him at andrew.wood@sueryder.org for further information.

Mr O'Dwyer, a 72-year-old father of two, was dubbed Keighley's 'Mr Tour de France' in recognition of his determination to involve local people in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the race pass through their home town.

He worked on projects with schools and the college, staged displays at venues including the library and Keighley Civic Centre, wrote articles and drew cartoons for the Keighley News, gave countless talks across the district and spearheaded a charity show at Victoria Hall, proceeds from which went to Manorlands.

The show itself raised £1,500 but it promoted other Tour-related activities, which together raised £30,000 for the hospice.

Mr O'Dwyer's widow, Mary, said cycling had been her husband's life, so he was "thrilled" to see the Tour de France come through his home town.

All Terrain Cycles is sponsoring The 3 Dales Mountain Bike Challenge, which takes place on May 15, the Bronte Sportive, which starts on July 17, and the Bronte Mountain Bike Challenge, taking place on September 18.

All three activities offer routes designed to cater to cyclists of varying abilities.

Entry fees will go directly towards supporting Sue Ryder's care services.

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