THE good work of a Watford Council officer has been recognised by his colleagues who wanted his generosity to be shared publicly.

For the past nine years Mr Geoff Massey, a council safety advisor, has taken part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride for the British Heart Foundation, and arranged for up to 60 colleagues and friends to join him each year.

To date, Mr Massey and the others have raised at least £60,000.

This year more than 50 of Mr Massey's friends took part, including his son Alex. Appropriately, the ride was on June 16 Father's Day.

A colleague who wished to remain nameless told The Watford Observer of Mr Massey's fundraising efforts and said: "He will be highly embarrassed but his efforts deserve a bit of public praise.

"I feel he deserves some recognition."

Mr Massey, 59, of Hemel Hempstead, became involved after he was given a bicycle for his 50th birthday. He has participated in many other charity events since then, and recently ran the London Marathon to raise money for Alzheimer's sufferers.

As the main organiser of the group which enters the Bike Ride, Mr Massey has arranged sponsorship from Clements and others.

He said each year he threatens not to take part in the London to Brighton, but the enthusiasm of others keeps him going.

He added: "I have no serious plans to stop any time in the near future.

"I can't think of how many different people must have joined in this bike ride over the years but they all enjoy it. It's a great day out."

He admitted the ride got harder physically every year, but said: "I've always tried to stay in good shape, even though you wouldn't think it to look at me."

July 3, 2002 17:00