This cycling enthusiast is restoring bicycles to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK following his own recovery

Retired construction commercial manager Peter Wallbank, from Cowplain, has been working non-stop over the past few weeks, tinkering with donated bikes and selling them on at affordable prices for the charity close to his heart.

Peter has enjoyed restoring bicycles for a few years, but recently put out a call for any old bikes on Nextdoor - an app to connect with neighbours - and was inundated with more than 20 offers.

So far, the 71-year-old has raised more than £600 through his efforts to sell his upcycled items, with proceeds going to Prostate Cancer UK.

Peter had prostate cancer two years ago, but luckily recovered and wants to give something back through this new project.

Peter, who cycles 100 miles a week on average and does voluntary work, said: ‘I have worked nonstop for three weeks and the last of those went on Monday. I have got lots of things to do but it gave me self satisfaction to make bikes work and pass them on to get people out and about and raise some money for charity at the same time.

‘Some take a few hours, some take a whole day. I have enjoyed meeting people and everyone’s been really nice.

‘I just want to do them up and put smiles on people’s faces - the smile on their face is worth £1,000.’

This is not Peter’s first foray into fundraising, as he has regularly supported charities such as British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research over the years through cycle rides and marathons.

He returned to his hobby of cycling at the age of 60, clocking up 50,000 miles in his retirement, and has even completed a cycle from Land’s End to John o’ Groats.

Peter also undertook the London Marathon last year in five and a half hours, and is signed up for the Prudential RideLondon 100-mile ride in August to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.

Peter said: ‘I’ve recovered but, like any cancer, it could come back somewhere else so you’ve got to make the most of it on a day-to-day basis.’

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