Andrew Lynam wanted to help as many young people as possible to have a bike and has spent lockdown repairing second-hand bicycles for charity.
The Dad from Blackpool had been searching for something to do that would make a difference to others.
Whilst out on a bike ride with his son, Andy realised how lucky they were to have access to a bike:
“I feel that every child should have access to a bike, not only for the obvious health benefits but for the pure freedom and fun that having wheels gives you.”
He contacted Progress Housing Group’s women’s refuges to see if the children staying there would like a bike.
Zoe, a Child Support Worker at Clare House, was delighted with Andy’s kind offer:
“Many women and children that flee domestic abuse often leave most of their possessions behind. To give them a bike so they can play and exercise is a wonderful idea.”
Andy asked his local community if they could donate their old bikes, which he would repair and refurbish before giving them to the children and women staying at the refuges.
He also set up a JustGiving page to raise funds to provide new helmets, bike locks and lights with each bike:
“Domestic Violence is a sad fact of reality but there is a great network of organisations out there to help.
“When a family flees Domestic Violence, there may not be time or facility to take all of their belongings. This means that the kids may lose some of their toys especially their bikes.
“The freedom given by something as simple as a bike cannot be underestimated – not to mention the health benefits.”
On receiving a bike that Andy had refurbished and donated, a mother staying at a refuge started to cry.
She said she hadn’t seen her son so happy for such a long time. The little boy was riding up and down the street for hours, smiling as he played on his new bike.
Andy has now donated 18 bikes to the South Ribble and Chorley women’s refuges.
