Cycle recycling scheme raises six-figure sum

A bike recycling scheme, which was the brainchild of a Treetops Hospice volunteer, has raised more than £100,000 for local charities.

The scheme was started in late 2018 by Paul Wilcox, who, along with a team of volunteers, collected donated bikes and sold them in return for a donation.

Since the scheme began, thousands of bikes have been restored with proceeds going to local charities, including a £60,000 donation to the hospice.

Some bikes have also been donated to local causes, such as women’s refuges and Ukrainian refugees.

Paul said: “We receive a whole range of donations and some of which we thought were scrap, have turned out to be very collectable.

“Some of the bikes need far too much work to tackle but nothing goes to waste. Parts are stripped and saved for repairs, and any remnants weighed in for scrap.

“We have a great team of volunteers which keeps everything running.”

Paul, who received a Derbyshire Beacon of Hope Award in recognition of his fundraising efforts, said he was staggered with the success of the scheme.

He said: “Raising over £100,000 is way beyond anything we anticipated in the early days of the scheme.

“We get to meet so many lovely people who are happy that either their old bike, or their donation, is going to such worthwhile causes.”

Adela Appleby, head of community relationships at Treetops, said: “With every bike recycled and sold, the team are helping us to care for terminally ill patients and their families in the local community.

“Their support makes such a big difference, and we cannot thank them enough. We’re delighted they’ve reached this wonderful milestone.”

The bike recycling scheme accepts bikes and trikes of any age, condition and size, and local collection is available.

To donate a bike, e-mail Paul at pushbikepaul4treetops@gmail.com.