I found out about Essex Pedal Power when they opened up in Harwich, and I was keen to get involved. I have my own bike but it was broken and had sat in my greenhouse for a very long time.  I wanted to help build bikes and learn how to fix them, so I could then take that knowledge away with me to get my own bike fixed up.

I am always keen to learn new things and during my time at EPP I have volunteered at events, built many bike and also learned to fix up injured bikes! I did a repair course with the team and I learnt such a lot, the team are lovely and when I struggled with certain aspects of bike repair, they took the time to work through with me, until I had developed that new skill.

I love Essex Pedal Power, it has been great to be able to give back to the community whilst I learned and I can do so many different repairs now.

I trained as a ride leader and have led groups of people out and about in the local area!  I love building the adults and children’s bikes knowing that I am supporting families to be able to get out and ride together.

I have heard of so many success stories with local families and heard how having one of these bikes has changed the lives of local people

After fixing up my own bike I rode in the last Tour de Tendring and was able to stop and help my fellow riders fix issues with their bikes en route.  I loved every minute of it!