Kind-heart Kevin is the wheel deal

Date published: 01 August 2014


KIND-HEARTED Kevin Lanham has spent the past three years helping people with disabilities and additional needs to learn to ride a bike.

He runs Oldham Wheels For All in Alexandra Park which allows people to rent out specially adapted bikes and ride around the park with their families, friends or carers.

Friendly

Kevin’s duties include assessing new riders, co-ordinating the volunteers, giving health-and-safety demonstrations, checking bikes when they are returned and carrying out general mechanical duties.

He was nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award by Bharti Raza, who is deaf and had not ridden a bike for 40 years before she went to Oldham Wheels For All for help.

Bharti said: “Kevin and his team are very lovely, kind, friendly and supportive. They taught me how to use a two-wheel bike and were so patient with me. I taught them basic sign language so we could communicate.

“From not being able to ride at all, I completed the Manchester to Liverpool bike ride with Kevin in May and he was very patient and supportive throughout.

“The team work so hard with adults and children with disabilities and I would like to see them get some recognition for all their efforts.”

Kevin said: “I am excited, honoured and humbled. I don’t see myself as anyone special — I am just doing my job and it is a job I love.”

To nominate someone or a group for an award, complete the form below or email the required information to editor@oldham-chronicle.co.uk, using the word Pride in the subject line.