Posted: 25 April, 2023
“Soon after my wife and I arrived in Manchester, we wanted to get involved in the city and do something we’d not had the chance to do while working full-time. We spotted the volunteering opportunity with Wheels for All in the Volunteer Centre on the Manchester Community Central website.
We knew virtually nothing about the charity, so looked up the website and were deeply impressed by their aim and the work they do. Soon after applying, Rhys rang us and kindly went through everything we needed to know. This really gave us the feeling of being a part of things even before we started volunteering.
As we reached Debdale Park, we were immediately attracted by the eye-catching purple tent (nice colour)! Straightaway we began helping to bring out all sorts of trikes, duo-bikes, e-trikes, wheelchair transport bikes and hand-cycles. The best time was in the afternoon when the participants arrived. Each one had a great time riding a suitable cycle either under our guidance or with us accompanying them. I loved how excited they were while going down the slope and feeling the cold wind on their faces.
Not all the riders are comfortable communicating verbally, but after a couple of laps around the beautiful garden, they all smiled and gave me high fives when they left. And – the cherry on top – we got the chance to meet local hero, Dame Sarah Storey. What more could you ask for in your first experience of volunteering in Manchester?”
Download Willey’s story here.
