When Ashton couple Denise and Simon were de-cluttering their garage, they were encouraged to give away four redundant bicycles to Hello Preston!

They happily handed the bicycles to Jen, co-ordinator of Hello Preston!, a family-learning project, to show support for refugee families in Preston.
Sutcliffes Cycles, on Ribbleton Avenue have generously donated bike locks so that asylum seekers in the city involved in voluntary work can cycle to their jobs and English classes and keep their bikes safe.

(L-R). Mr. Sutcliffe, owner of Sutcliffe Cycles, Saddam, Adam and Bob from Talk English

Steve Smith says about one asylum seeker from Iran who volunteers alongside Preston Park Warden : “He cheers me up when I see him; he’s a really hard worker and his English has really come on in the last six months”.

Denise said: “I’m really pleased that we can give our old bikes to people who can use them. I think more people should know about this project!”

Boys from Sudan and Iran fixing their new bicycles

As the May’s weather has brightened up, if you have a spare bicycle that needs cobweb-dusting, and possibly a bit of servicing, please let us know here at Preston City of Sanctuary because any bicycle donations will be greatly received!!