Pushbike Paul raises thousands for Rotary club with recycled cycles

Paul Wilcox, who is affectionately known as ‘Pushbike Paul’ has raised more than £9,000 for the Rotary club’s charity trust fund with his pushbike recycling scheme.

Paul Hopkins, President-Elect of the club, explained that ‘Pushbike Paul’ collects unwanted bike of any age or condition, he then repairs them and sells the cycles on Facebook Marketplace.

“He has been collecting about 10 to 15 bikes a week, although this has increased with the rapidly growing demand since the coronavirus outbreak,” explained Paul Hopkins.

“The support from the public has been fantastic and the turnover on bike cycles has been amazing.

Paul Wilcox, who is affectionately known as ‘Pushbike Paul’ has raised more than £9,000 for the Rotary club’s charity trust fund with his pushbike recycling scheme.

“Paul has met some wonderful people who are happy to donate their unwanted bikes to good causes.

“Likewise, he has met a wide range of customers, like the Vintage Bike Cartel, who buy the more specialised bikes, as well as enthusiasts and many returning customers.”

Last week, the scheme was featured on the BBC East Midlands news, which prompted a sudden surge in donations and sales.

The money raised goes to support Long Eaton Rotary’s community work. Some of this money has gone towards the Long Eaton & Sawley foodbank, as well as to the Canaan Trust, which support the homeless.

Last week, the scheme was featured on the BBC East Midlands news, which prompted a sudden surge in donations and sales.”

The club has also been supporting the District foodbank project.

Paul Hopkins added: “In addition to the £9,000 Paul has raised to donate to our charities, some other funds raised by him was used to buy material to make scrubs for the NHS when there was a national shortage.

“Volunteers then used the off cuts to make masks and ‘Pushbike Paul’s’ wife Pauline sold them locally and donated the money back to the club.

“They are an amazing couple and invaluable friends of Long Eaton Rotary.”

Paul Hopkins’ wife Jayne, runs the friendship group, Hopkins

Heroes. www.hopkinsheroes.co.uk which supports the work of the Rotary club.