Stuart Cordner, the Dundonald retailer who runs the popular Cordner’s SPAR on the Comber Road, is putting his beloved Raleigh Chopper up for auction, all for a great cause.

Stuart purchased the 1970s Chopper during lockdown and worked with people in the community to lovingly restore the bike, which also pays homage to his great friend, regular shopper and cycling enthusiast, John McKeag.

Stuart commented; “John was an inspirational man who everyone in the local community was lucky enough to know of. He put a lot of effort into raising money for local charities and community groups, and regularly worked with our team to raise money for Cancer Fund for Children by completing charity cycles on a static bike outside our store each year.

“John helped raise thousands of pounds for Cancer Fund for Children, but he sadly passed away a few years ago at the grand age of 99! We wanted to honour his fundraising legacy, and I thought of him often as we were restoring the Chopper, he would’ve loved it!”

With the Chopper now fully restored and ready for a new home, the ballot at Cordner’s SPAR will start at the store’s Dundonald Christmas Market, which takes place from 4pm – 7pm this Thursday 01 December. Shoppers can pick up ballots instore thereafter and enter up until the 22nd, with the draw taking place on the 23rd December.

Cordner’s SPAR has always been committed to supporting local charities and causes close to their team members’ hearts.

Stuart continued; “We are a store that is the hub of the local community here in Dundonald. Our customers aren’t just shoppers to us, we see them every day and learn about their lives and the causes and concerns that are important to them.

“Over the years we have raised over £30,000 for different charities, we’ve supported food banks, sponsored local football teams, mental health groups and many local charities. It has been a great honour to bring a piece of nostalgia back to life and raise money for Children’s Cancer at Christmas time.”