We’re delighted about being nominated in Hive’s Portsmouth Inspiring Volunteer Awards!
In September, pilots in our Cycling Without Age Portsmouth service were nominated for the Hive Portsmouth Inspiring Volunteer Awards. It was part of their Health and Social Inclusion Team Award, and our team were delighted to attend.
Joining the team who attended, was Mark, one of the pilots. We asked him to write a bit about what motivates him to volunteer for us. Thanks Mark! And we look forward to seeing you out on the open road again!
Our pilot, Mark
My name is Mark, and I started volunteering as a pilot for Cycling Without Age in 2021. I did so after seeing a post on social media. They were looking for riders to take people out who couldn’t do so themselves. As a keen cyclist, I got in contact with the team and the rest is, as they say, history.
Since then I have had the privilege of taking people out on the trishaw. We usually go out along Southsea seafront, to enjoy the sights and the air wind in their hair. It gets them out the house for a couple of hours. As a pilot, it’s not just about being able to ride a bike. But to talk with those sitting in front. Thankfully, as my wife puts it, I can talk for England!
It’s a bit more than just talking, though. It’s listening to what the person is saying and responding in kind. In some cases, the ride can trigger a memory. And for that moment the person’s face lights up and you can see that sparkle back in their eye.
I love being part of this team. Being able to give something back to the community, even though it’s not as much as I would like to do. Each ride is always different, even with the same person.
At the awards
Being in a room full of like-minded people who give up their time to help others was very an inspiring to be part of.
Listening to their stories of why they started or are part of a particular charity, shows how much people care for those around them. Most have never met the people they help before, but all share a common goal to help someone. Sadly, this year we did not win the award! But it went to the very worthy Portsmouth Breast Cancer Friends for the amazing work they do.
To be nominated in the first place was very humbling. And who knows, maybe in 2025 if we are nominated again, we might climb to that top step?
