A CHARITY that sends used bikes from the UK to rural communities in Africa is celebrating after receiving a £1,000 donation.

Colchester-based Re-Cycle Bikes to Africa is one of 11 worthy causes across Essex to receive help as part of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group’s Movement for Good awards.

Each has received £1,000, following overwhelming public support.

The awards saw more than 5,700 Essex residents nominate a cause close to their hearts, with others benefitting including Age Concern Essex.

Re-Cycle, based in Wormingford, receives used bikes in the UK and donates them to trusted partners in Africa.

Fundraising and marketing manager Lindsay Hurrell said: “We're delighted to have been chosen as one of 500 charities to receive a share of the £1million fund being donated by Ecclesiastical Insurance.

"It’s thanks to our donors and supporters who kindly voted for us, which we are extremely grateful for.

Gazette: Going places - youngsters in Africa benefitting from a bike sent to them by the Colchester-based charity Re-Cycle

Going places - youngsters in Africa benefitting from a bike sent to them by the Colchester-based charity Re-Cycle

"The funds will go towards changing the lives of those less fortunate in rural communities in Africa by providing a sustainable mode of transport, the humble bicycle, therefore reducing the impact on landfill here in the UK”.

It is the third year running Ecclesiastical Insurance Group has given away £1m to charities through its Movement for Good awards.

In total, more than 210,000 people around the UK supported the awards, with over 13,000 charitable causes up and down the country receiving votes.

The 500 winning charities were picked at random.

A huge 88 per cent of those who nominated a charity said they have donated the same amount or more during the past year, despite Covid.

Forty-seven per cent said they are more likely to support a local charity than a national one, as the country emerges from lockdown.

Mark Hews, group chief executive at Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, said: “We've seen an overwhelming public response to our Movement for Good awards.

"I'd like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause.

"It’s clear people care deeply about those in need in their region during what has been an incredibly testing time for many.

"We know £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better."

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