When Paul retired, he knew he wanted to stay active, keep busy, and give something back.
Bikes had always been part of his life — fixing them up, tinkering in the garage, and restoring old frames — so he imagined he’d spend his retirement quietly repairing bikes at home.
But when he looked into Re‑Cycle, he realised he’d found something even better: a place where his passion could make a real difference.
Finding the perfect fit
“I’ve always been aware of Re‑Cycle,” Paul says, “but never really looked into it. When I retired, I wanted to volunteer, and once I contacted them, I found out it would be perfect for me — and it really is the perfect fit volunteering‑wise.”
What he didn’t expect was just how much he’d enjoy it. Not only does he get to work with old bikes, something he’s always loved, but he’s surrounded by people who share that same enthusiasm.
“There are lots of other people here like me,” he says. “It’s really nice to spend time with other people rather than being at home in my garage rebuilding old bikes.”
Making a difference in the warehouse and beyond
Paul is a core part of our warehouse team, supporting the hands‑on work that keeps our operations moving. He strips down bikes that can’t be sent, carefully removing any usable parts. These components are shipped to Africa with the bikes and used by local mechanics — a vital part of keeping bikes running for years to come.
Paul has also taken part in our annual sportives, riding alongside his son!
For Paul, volunteering isn’t just about giving back — it’s about staying active, connected, and grounded.
“It’s good for me mentally and physically,” he says. “And it’s a nice cycle ride in — just 10 miles!”
Paul’s mechanical knowledge, consistency, and easygoing nature make him a real asset to the warehouse. He’s someone we know we can count on.
Volunteers like Paul play a key role in keeping our operations running and ensuring bikes reach the communities who rely on them.
