Tributes paid to taxi firm owner

THE founder of one of Cardiff’s bestknown taxi companies has died.

Tribute has been paid to entrepreneur Timothy Mahoney who died after a two-year battle with cancer.

Born in Llanrumney, Mr Mahoney, fondly known as Jim, founded Premier Taxis after starting his career a selfemployed driver.

In 2016 Mr Mahoney was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Despite deciding against chemotherapy, the father-of-six saw his health improve after developing a love of cycling with his wife Angela.

In 2017 the devoted Porthcawl RFC fan completed the annual 170-mile cycle event Ride to the Somme to commemorate the route taken by soldiers during the First World War.

After arriving in France to start the race the keen businessman decided against his target of 20 miles a day to complete the whole route.

Arriving at the finish line at Menin Gate, the cyclist was chosen to lay a wreath at the Ypres war memorial in front of 2,000 people.

Through his efforts he raised more than £3,500 for armed forces charity SSAFA before going on to complete other charity events.

Paying tribute, his wife Angela said: “He never gave up, he kept on going. I’ve never seen someone with such determination – all his family and friends have said the same.”

A devoted businessman, Mr Mahoney continued to work until three weeks before his death on July 1 aged 63.

Formerly known as Amber Cars, the firm now has 280 cars within the capital city and a further 60 cars in Bridgend. During his funeral on Friday dozens of colleagues, friends and family members gathered to pay their respects at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Bridgend.