Young lad made up with his gifted wheels

Photograph attached: Alex Brooks picking up the gifted cycle from Ross Goodyear, Cycle Technician

Hardie Cycle Hub in Hardie Park, Stanford-le-Hope were recently made aware of a young lad’s bike that had sadly been stolen on two separate occasions. The bikes had been an essential asset to the family helping them to manage their lives in these difficult times. Matt Hill, Manager of the Hardie Cycle Hub was approached by Alex Brooks, Head of Year 11 at Barking Abbey School to see whether they could help.


Matt Hill of Hardie Cycle Hub said, ‘At times like this of course we can help! Lorraine Hornsby of Fidelity Mortgages also heard of the plight and came on board kindly offering to fund a replacement refurbed bike from our project. We were able to source the perfect bike and we gifted a decent ‘D Lock’ as a deterrent to further theft along with some ‘cycle lights’ as the nights are drawing in and a routine Hardie Cycle Hub service after 3 months free of charge. The perfect cycling package.’


Alex Brooks, Barking Abbey School said, ‘Thank you so much for your kind generosity. Just a mention of the scenario and both Hardie Cycle Hub and Fidelity Mortgages came together to remedy a really sad situation. What a fantastic gesture. The young lad was over the moon! A great example of how communities can work together to achieve so much more.’ The cycle hub in Hardie Park is currently putting together a framework to enable and encourage other local businesses to donate a cycle to someone in need. If your business would like to get involved, email: info@hardiecyclehub.co.uk to find out more.


The Hardie Cycle Hub, Old Spokes Home, based in Hardie Park, Stanford-le-Hope are known locally for the turnaround of donated bicycles that are offered back to the community at affordable prices. The project offers a range of servicing options to suit all budgets alongside a range of accessories, spares, advice and refurbs. Open 9am to 4.30pm EVERY DAY except Weds/Thurs CLOSED. You can find them on FB @hardiecyclehub and if visiting in person pop SS170PB in the Sat Nav.