Wigan handyman in mission to bring some festive cheer

Tony O’Dwyer, 65, is renowned for his exploits on two wheels and travels everywhere on his bike, which he has now decorated with tinsel and festive lights.

Designed to cheer up locals during these hard times, Tony is also raising money for The Christie Charity.

Tony, who lives in Derby House in Scholes, said: “I have a conquest bike which is burgundy and purple in colour and it’s named Gloden.

“I’ve put tinsel on the bike and Christmas lights and I make quite a stir as I cycle around town.

“It’s all to raise money for The Christie and I do it every year.

“Usually I’d raise about £200 but I’m aiming for about £100 as the pandemic this year does make it more difficult to raise money.

“People will usually give me the money cash in hand.

“You get people waving at me in the street and I just love to cheer people up and see them smile with Christmas round the corner and the ongoing pandemic.”

Over the years, Tony, who also works at Gearing Up fixing bikes, says he has raised millions of pounds for various charities through his marathon cycling travels.

Causes for whom Tony has raised money include The Christie, Wigan and Leigh Hospice and Guide Dogs for the Blind,

Every year, Tony also pedals from Manchester to Blackpool with friends for The Christie, this time his having completed it virtually in four hours in September.

Tony, who lives with wife Julie, said: “I just love cycling and the pandemic hasn’t stopped me even though it’s made it harder.

“I’ve raised around £3m over the years for various charities including The Christie, Wigan and Leigh Hospice and Guide Dogs for the Blind.

“At Gearing Up, I fix bikes and do them up and make them safe by doing checks such as on the brakes and tyres.

“I’d encourage people to cycle safely in the dark with lights and wearing a helmet as I have seen some that don’t.

“As a handyman, I do jobs such as gardening and tidying up the area round the flats and just love to help people.”

He added: “I’m due to retire soon but I’m going to keep going as nobody will take me off my bikes and my loves for bike easily.”