A CAR dealership in Workington has donated money to a cyclist fundraisers cause. 

The two directors of Myers and Bowman-Toyota, Stephen and Graeme Calvin donated a notable sum towards the Macular Society of Great Britain in recognition of the charitable efforts of former racing cyclist, Gerard McCarten of Whitehaven.

Gerard forged his sporting career in the world of cycling. Now, aged 85, Gerard has been raising donations in aid of the Macular Society in memory of his late wife Margaret who endured, for over 40 years, sight loss due to a rare genetic macular disease called Sorsby Fundus Dystrophy (SFD).

Riding in memory of his late wife, who died October 2023, Gerard set off in October cycling the height of the tallest mountain on earth, Mauna Kea in Hawaii.

The non-active volcano reaches a height of 10,205 metres from its base, 6,000 metre below sea level, to 4,205 metres above sea level.

During his time as a racing cyclist in the 1960s McCarten had the good fortune to race alongside team-mates Mike Cowley, formerly of Thornhill, Egremont but now living in Beckermet and Ged Brear of Whitehaven but formerly of Windermere.

A spokesperson said: "Both riders had long and illustrious careers with Mike becoming a 1964 Tokyo Olympian, a multiple World Championship Rider and a professional racing cyclist.

"Ged was a multiple-cycle racing champion locally over several decades. The three have many memories of racing together.

"Both Mike and Ged gave Gerard support during his endeavours in October as he cycled 1,737 times up the 8% gradient of the road just 50 metres from his front door.

"Each ascent gave the intrepid and determined rider a height gain of 5.875 metres.

"Gerard reached his target of 10,205 metres (33,481 feet) on 5 November 2024 when all three riders were given a rousing reception by 400 children of Jericho Primary School, Whitehaven which is adjacent to the house where Gerard lives."

The monies donated by Myers and Bowman - Toyota and Toyota Garage customers went a long way to reaching the final sum of £1,477.81.