officers in Stockport have donated bikes to a charity that helps young people with cancer.
Cyclists Fighting Cancer, which helps children and young people living with cancer across the UK regain their physical fitness, collected 20 bikes and hundreds of bike parts from Cheadle Heath Police Station.
PS Nick White said: “After visiting the CFC shop to buy some bike lights, and then seeing their social media posts about the great work they do for children and young people, I decided to do something about it.
“I have always been struck by the number of pedal cycles we seize in GMP.
“The charity is going to rebuild bikes using the parts and are especially pleased with the donation of the bike stands.
“We all know someone who has been affected by cancer in some way or another, and for us to be able to help this special cause in some way is great.
“Cyclists Fighting Cancer is such worthwhile charity, and we are delighted to have been able to help them.”
The bikes and parts donated had all been found, seized or stolen in Stockport.
Around 45 items from bikes – frames, wheels, forks and bike stands – were found during a house search and believed to be linked to a burglary in Derbyshire.
Another stolen bike found by a member of the public belonged to a man in Reading – rather than return for the bike he donated it to the charity.
Chief Inspector John Picton said: “It’s great to make good use of the bikes and associated equipment that have come into our possession during our policing duties.
“To have the opportunity to support a charity and hopefully make a positive impact with children and young people who have been diagnosed with or who are recovering from cancer is fantastic.
“It would be great to see this partnership develop and flourish.”
Cyclists Fighting Cancer has helped more than 9,500 families since 2005 and has shops in Chorlton, Stratford and Cheltenham.
Adam Thomson, manager of the charity’s Chorlton shop, said: “We are a registered charity that takes donated bikes and parts and restores them to sell in our shops.
“The profits from these sales provide brand new bikes for children and young people who have been diagnosed with or who are recovering from cancer.
“Using a bike can help young people who might be weak and suffering the effects of cancer treatment to get stronger and also provide a much-needed distraction.
“We can also provide bikes for parents and siblings who might want to cycle with them.”
