Help former Leeds nurse now on frontline, in campaign to help keyworkers

Lucy Wellings is appealing for bikes for keyworkers

Former schoolmates Lucy Wellings, a former Leeds nurse now working on COVID-19 wards in London, and friend Charlotte Sumner-Bedford, are running the Tour De Thanks scheme, to encourage people to donate or lend bikes to NHS staff and other key workers.

They began the campaign after Lucy had her bike stolen. The 28-year-old paediatric and adolescent research nurse specialist at University College London Hospital had been reassigned to a COVID ward, and needed her bike to get to work.

Lucy did track down her stolen bike online, but the experience highlighted just how reliant she and others are on their bikes, as safe transport during the pandemic.

“Lots of people offered to help. It made me think there must be more people in my situation,” said Lucy, whose family live in Addingham, near Ilkley.

“We’ve seen a surge in demand since lockdown restrictions have eased. NHS and essential workers are even more worried about using public transport, so we’re in great need of bike donations.

“We’ve had people from across the country come forward. They post photos and we match people up via social media. It’s overwhelming how supportive people have been, including many from the Old Bradfordian community.”

Lucy’s friend from Bradford Grammar School, Charlotte, was keen to help after being furloughed from her work as assistant manager at Albert Hall in Manchester.

The friends have managed to secure around 40 bikes so far, some for NHS staff at Lucy’s former workplace, Leeds General Infirmary.

Cycling brand, Brompton, has also donated 30 bikes.

To support the campaign and donate or lend a bike, find Tour De Thanks on Twitter and Instagram.