How cycling has helped Daisy UK flourish

Antony giving some support to Amy during Daisy’s weekly Inclusive Cycling Session
Antony giving some support to Amy during Daisy’s weekly Inclusive Cycling Session
Daisy Inclusive UK is a registered charity that offers a wide range of services to people with a variety of disabilities, including an inclusive cycling programme. Cycling UK recently helped build this up, setting up a new Community Cycle Club called the Daisy Chains, and funding training for new staff and volunteers. In doing so, the club discovered a rising star in Antony Merryweather.

Antony is not just a regular volunteer with a passion for cycling. Having been diagnosed with ADHD and learning difficulties, Antony uses his involvement with cycling to help him remain calm and focussed on the task in hand. He is always ready for the Daisy Chains’ weekly cycling session at Greenbank Sports Academy in Liverpool. Antony is happy to help others in different ways, from piloting the adapted bikes to riding alongside shouting words of encouragement. His enthusiasm is catching.

Antony said, "Cycling is my hobby and makes me very relaxed, calm and happy. I enjoy using cycling to help everyone. Volunteering with Daisy Inclusive UK’s sessions is very rewarding; I enjoy helping people on the adapted bikes and assisting with the group. Being a qualified bike mechanic too helps us maintain our fleet for our Community Cycle Sessions around Stanley Park.”

Antony Merryweather

Antony recently attended the Cycling UK Basic Maintenance Course, in Liverpool, which will enable him to carry out regular servicing and repairs the new bikes donated by Mersey Travel. Keeping the bikes in tip top condition means that the Daisy Chains can keep riders out riding week after week, building their confidence. Antony thoroughly enjoyed his training and cannot wait to get started on the bike servicing, using the tools and equipment provided by Cycling UK.

It is very inspiring too to see Daisy encouraging volunteers like Antony, who have conditions such as ADHD and other learning difficulties, to play such an active role. Antony has been a model student and is a great leader.

Chris Alston, Cycling UK Development Officer for Liverpool 

Chris Alston, Cycling Development Officer for Liverpool City Region said, "There is some fantastic work going on at Daisy Inclusive UK, none more so than the regular inclusive cycling activities delivered by their enthusiastic staff and volunteers. The Daisy Chains are a success story, really committed to ensuring people can experience the gift of cycling regardless of their disabilities, and they deliver their sessions come rain or shine.

“It is very inspiring too to see Daisy encouraging volunteers like Antony, who have conditions such as ADHD and other learning difficulties, to play such an active role. Antony has been a model student and is a great leader.”

Find out more about becoming a volunteer