A MAN who ran several cycle shops was apparently too ashamed to admit to his father that the family business he took over was in financial trouble.

Philip Briscall-Harvey, 41, who lived in East Studdal, near Dover, has been found dead, leaving a wife and four young sons.

The tragedy of his death has been revealed by his devastated parents who said they were unaware the shops were failing. trouble.

Mr Briscall-Harvey took over the Cycle Mart business, which has branches in Canterbury, Herne Bay, Ashford and Maidstone, from his father, John, about six years ago.

He had previous retail management experience with WH Smith and other stores. But business debts seemed to have mounted in recent months.

Mr Briscall-Harvey was found dead in his car by his wife at his home on the morning of Sunday, January 28. The coroner has been informed and an inquest will be held.

All four Cycle Mart branches have been closed and about 12 staff laid off.

Speaking from their home in Oaks Park, Rough Common, near Canterbury, his parents John and Gillian Harvey said they wished their son had talked over his problems with them.

Mrs Harvey said: “Philip was kind, considerate and a wonderful son and father.

We knew the trade was difficult, but had no idea it had got so bad.

“We just can’t understand why he did it because he was devoted to his wife and children.”

She revealed Mr Briscall-Harvey had left a note saying he had been too ashamed to admit that the family business, started by his father 43 years ago, had failed.

Mr Harvey, who suffered a brain haemorrhage two years ago, added: “Since I retired things have got a lot tougher for small retailers. There is so much competition.”

The family have asked that any donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.