Proud Ossett dad donated hundreds of pounds to community during lockdown

A dad-of-two from Ossett has supported charities and individuals across Wakefield during lockdown by fixing bikes.
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Gav Auty launched a bike recycling scheme from his home in Ossett in March when placed on furlough and has been praised by the community as their ‘Community Hero’.

Gav said: “It just started off with one bike my neighbour was going to throw away and it has just gone from there.”

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Gav receives donated bikes and then fixes them to a respectable and safe standard before then asking for a donation in exchange for the bike.

Gav Auty and sons Isaac (right) and Joby (left).Gav Auty and sons Isaac (right) and Joby (left).
Gav Auty and sons Isaac (right) and Joby (left).

All funds raised have been donated to local charities and individuals within the community who are in need.

“It gives me a buzz and I enjoy doing it.” Gav said, “It keeps me busy and I will continue to go for as long as I can."

Gav has turned his home and garden into a workshop for the bikes during lockdown and has since helped a large number of causes by donating hundreds of pounds through the scheme.

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“My main goal is to help kids in the community whose parents might be unable to purchase them brand new, I try my best to supply people who genuinely need them.

“I am proud of the community with how much they have helped out, I have managed to help a lot of people during lockdown.

“I was furloughed in March and did not want to just sit about and do nothing.

“I would like to thank my friends who have helped out with collecting bikes and have run around for me. It has been fantastic.”

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Jo Sentance, Gav’s best friend and neighbour, said: “He is an absolute star, during lockdown he was struggling but by helping others it has helped him too.

“He is one of my best friends and it is a privilege to know him, I have never met anyone like him or with a heart as big as his."

Jo has praised her best friend and has supported Gav throughout the scheme.

“He touches the hearts of everyone he meets and I am so proud of him.

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“We are all proud, his family are, his friends are and his dad would be so proud of him.”

Jo has launched an appeal to the community to find a unit or shed where Gav would be able to store bikes to be able to continue the scheme.

“If anyone could help him with storage that would be great, his home and garden are full of bikes at the moment but it is all for a good cause.”

To make a donation or for more information visit Gavs Facebook page here.

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