How a Chesterfield company helped a covid test centre volunteer after thieves stole his bike

J E James Cycles presented the bike to a thrilled Ben Marshall on Saturday.

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Ben, of Hasland, was volunteering at the Covid-19 testing station at the Technique Stadium in Chesterfield towards the end of the first lockdown last year when thieves stole his bicycle.

“I was devastated,” said the 45-year-old, who usually works as a lifeguard at the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley and does not drive.

“It’s a sad state of affairs when something like that happens while you’re volunteering.

“The bike was locked up and I thought it was secure but they must have used tools to get to it.

“I told the police – they were really good and looked in to it but they didn’t manage to find those responsible.”

Richard Wilkins, who was volunteering alongside Ben, later got in touch with JE James Cycles to see if the firm could help his friend in any way.

And the business, which is based on Brimington Road North, did not disappoint – they decided to give Ben a Raleigh bike free of charge.

Dean Poole, JE James Cycles’ manager, said: “We heard about the great volunteer work Ben was doing and that sadly he had his only form of transport taken away from him with the theft of his bicycle.

“So we wanted to help him by donating the bike.”

Ben said: “I want to say a massive thank you to JE James Cycles – I’m really chuffed.

“Their kindness means an awful lot to me.

“This goes to show that there are some really good people out there.

“After what happened last year, it’s most certainly restored my faith in humanity.

“Thanks also to Richard for helping to sort this – and thanks to the Derbyshire Times for covering the story to show that things aren’t always bad.”

Award-winning JE James Cycles is well-known for its generosity.

The company has previously teamed up with the Derbyshire Times for the Flagg Challenge – raising many thousands of pounds for Ashgate Hospicecare.

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