A classic bike has been bought at auction by the Hereford dealership that first registered the vehicle back in 1981.

Stephen Hack, from Herefordshire, bought the brand-new Kawasaki Z400 from Bob Galliers to ride around the Welsh hills and local landscape. Since he last rode the bike in 1996, the Kawasaki has been stored in his garage in Kingstone. When Stephen died earlier this year, his wife, Jill and his family decided to donate the motorbike to the Hospice Angels so it could be sold at auction to raise money for St Michael’s Hospice.

Stephen’s wife, Jill, who has supported St Michael’s over the years, said, ‘St Michael’s cared for my mother-in-law and I think Stephen would be thrilled to know his beloved motorcycle has gone to such a good cause.’

Stephen’s son, Tony Hack, said, ‘The Z400 twin was as close as dad could get to a modern BSA A7. It was something he used to blow out the cobwebs. Dad wasn’t a racer, he was a rider and was aware and appreciative of the Hospice Angels. I think he would quietly consider it a fitting gesture.’

To help get the bike road-ready, D&R Motorcycles on Rockfield Road in Hereford MOT’ed and serviced the vintage bike, and kindly agreed to give their labour free of charge.

When mechanic Will Currie from Bob Gallier Motorcycles saw the story on Facebook, he decided to attend the auction at St Michael’s Hospice, along with shop owner Bob Gallier.

The auction was held during a party to celebrate Hospice Angels’ founder Mike Pullin’s 80th birthday in October and bidding for the classic bike started at £600. Stephen’s son, Tony, had the original receipt for the bike and thought it would be a fitting gesture to bid the sale price of £950. Tony was outbid, and the bike eventually sold to Bob Gallier for £1,100.

Bob said, ’When I heard the bike was being sold to support St Michael’s Hospice I thought buying it back would be a great way to show my appreciation for the amazing care provided by our local Hospice.’

The bike will now be sympathetically restored by Will Currie at the Berrington Street workshop and should be returned to its former glory by January 2017 with any profits from its sale being donated back to St Michael’s.

Anyone wanting to see Stephen’s Z400 can call into Bob Gallier Motorcycles, which is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10.30am to 5.30pm.