The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Two South Holland men are joining forces to deliver bikes to children who might otherwise not have one.
Daniel Lunn and John Barton are buying old bikes, reconditioning them and giving them to families who need a hand.
They have already completed two refurbishments which have gone to new homes this week.
“I am happy to give them away to families who really need them, I am more than happy to bridge the gap,” said Mr Lunn, of Pinchbeck.
“My friend John runs a security business and he is helping with the finance and I use my time to do the bikes up so they are ready for a new home,” he added.
As he has been working from home since lockdown started, Mr Lunn, a sales manager, is saving commuting time each day and wanted to do something with it that would be of benefit of others.
“I don’t want people to donate bikes or money, but if they can do-up an old bike and pass it on, that would be nice. It’s just a nice thing to do,” he said.
The idea struck Mr Lunn when he saw that Mr Barton’s company, DCS Security of Gosberton, repaired a vandalised bench at Vernatt’s Drain as a community gesture.
“I have known John a long time and he agreed to fund the bikes while I carry out the reconditioning.
“The first two went very quickly.
“One person who contacted me had been furloughed and just couldn’t afford to buy a bicycle as a present at the moment. It cost a few pounds to fix a bike and I enjoy doing it,” he said.
A page has been set-up in the Community Help section of Facebook with the details of bikes as and when they are available.
A link can also be found on Mr Lunn’s Facebook profile.
“I am working from home and saving time with no commuting and money as my fuel costs are less. It is something I can do in the evening.
“If people can reciprocate the initiative and pass on a bike to someone who needs it, then that would be great. If you have got some old spanners and a bit of time, it can be done quite easily.”
The first bike he worked on was a BMX-style which needed a paint job, new handlebars and some TLC before he donated it.
“They won’t all be BMX types necessarily, it will be whatever comes along. I really don’t want people to donate bike as I know what I can and can’t repair – I’m no expert,”he said.
