Posted: 14 November, 2024
Last week was a cause for celebration at Wheels for All Woking as one of our amazing volunteers, Stephen, marked ten years of volunteering with Wheels for All last week. Following a 42-year career in social work, Stephen continues to make a lasting impact through his work with Wheels for All, providing inclusive cycling opportunities to Disabled people.
Stephen’s career journey is one of unwavering dedication to supporting people of all ages and backgrounds. He began his work as an assistant youth leader at a school, then spent three years at a hostel assisting homeless men. Later, he took on a senior role in Woking, supporting elderly individuals before transitioning to work with adults with challenging behaviours and special needs for the final 22 years of his career.
It was during these later years that Stephen first encountered Wheels for All, witnessing first-hand how the charity brought joy, recreation, and exercise to his clients. Upon retirement, Stephen eagerly accepted the opportunity to stay involved with Wheels for All as a volunteer, dedicating his time to making a difference in the lives of others.
Reflecting on his decade of service, Stephen shared, “It’s nice to be able to give back a little to the community that has given me a tremendous amount of job satisfaction over many years. Every week, I’m able to meet parents, carers, and helpers in a warm social setting and give them a brief respite while their loved ones enjoy fresh air and exercise on the bikes.”
Stephen’s volunteer work goes beyond the weekly sessions in Surrey. He has been a passionate advocate for Wheels for All, helping at events like the National Cycle Exhibition at Alexandra Palace. “It’s a great opportunity to champion the charity to a wide range of people and explain what we do and why,” he said.
Rhys Phillips, National Volunteer Manager for the charity said “All of our volunteers put in such dedication to their roles but its always so amazing when volunteers stay with us for such a long time. It truly does reflect the passion and hard work that our volunteers show every week, and how rewarding donating time can be. Congratulations on 10 years Stephen”
Phillippa Curphy, Regional Manager for the South echoed this statement by saying “Our Hubs in Surrey provide such a lifeline to a lot of Disabled people and its because of volunteers like Stephen that we have been able to do this vital work for so long. Huge well done Stephen”
As Wheels for All celebrates Stephen’s ten years of service, we’re reminded of the profound difference one person can make. Stephen’s dedication continues to be a source of inspiration for all of us, and we look forward to many more years of working together to bring inclusive cycling to all.
