Money raised by Resurrection Bikes, a church community project based in Harrogate which restores and sells old bicycles, has helped towards the cost of an ambulance which has been driven from Yorkshire to the Ukraine to be used war-torn areas of the country.
The yellow and blue ambulance has been given to Roman Catholic charity, Caritas, working in Ukraine, and set out last week after being blessed at St Roberts RC Church in the town.
One of the three man driving team is John Rowe from Resurrection Bikes, while leading the team is Harrogate man, John Shackleton , founder of ‘Aid to Eastern Europe’. In the past he has delivered ambulances to Armenia, Lithuania and Moldova to , and fire engines to Albania and Bohemia.
The Big Bike Revival
Meanwhile, Resurrection Bikes are hosting the Harrogate component of the national Big Bike Revival campaign from 23-31 May at Westcliffe Hall on Harlow Terrace.
The aim is to encourage people to get back on their bikes or try cycling out. "We will be offering free bikes checks and basic repairs" says John Rowe. "You can sign up for classes on simple maintenance repairs like fixing a puncture or adjusting the brakes. There will be local cycling information, a prize draw, competitions and give-aways. We will also be selling recycled bikes and you can bring along your unwanted bikes to donate (all proceeds go to charity). You can try making a clock or some jewellery from scrap bike parts and there will be refreshments available."
No booking is necessary for bike checks and repairs but there is a sign up link on the website ( www.resurrectionbikes.org.uk) for classes, craft workshops and slots for creating our community mural at the back of the hall.Resurrection Bikes would like to create a large community mural at the back of Westcliffe Hall on Harlow Terrace.