Charity raffle to continue drowned cyclists fundraising efforts

Tragically, Chris, 22, died last week after being a passenger in a car which collided with an oncoming vehicle in Hampermill Lane, Watford.

Alan Smith, owner of Cyclopedia, a bicycle shop in Watford where Tim worked as a mechanic for almost four years, launched the raffle to continue raising money for the charity.

Mr Smith, 60, said: "Before the terrible and tragic events that took place, Karen and Tim had already cycled more than 3,500 miles across Europe, without a hiccup.

"They were championing the British Lung Foundation because their friend, James Harrison, who also lived in Northwood, died of a lung-related condition in early 2008.

"Tim was extremely popular with both staff and customers, no one ever had a bad word to say about him and everyone misses him terribly.

"He and Karen were inspirational young people with such a sense of adventure who were determined to do something positive with their lives. No one could fail to be moved by their deaths, and to lose Chris so suddenly is incomprehensible.

"They had been due to travel around New Zealand and I was hoping to join them in Auckland. I still hope to go out there and continue raising money for the British Lung Foundation, but it won't be the same without them.

"So far, we have sold 1,500 raffle tickets and we want to raise awareness of the charity because it doesn't receive as much publicity as those connected to cancer and heart disease."

Raffle prizes include a bicycle, £100 John Lewis vouchers and a home made Christmas cake. Tickets cost £1 and can be bought in store. The draw will take place on Monday, December 21 at 11am.

Donations can also be made to the charity at www.justgiving.com/timroney.