19/08/2026
Your Big Swim can help refugees and people seeking asylum build confidence, independence and connection. 💙
With your support, Sport Relief can help fund organisations like The Bike Project, a UK-based charity that refurbishes donated bicycles and gives them to refugees and people seeking asylum. A bike is a vital lifeline, providing independent and sustainable transport to access essential services, education and employment.
Habtom, now based in Birmingham and originally from Eritrea, knows first hand the difference a bike can make. Cycling is a big part of his culture, and when he arrived in the UK, he was referred to The Bike Project and joined their Bike Buddies programme, which connects service users with volunteers for bike rides together.
Many refugees and people seeking asylum face impossible choices between food and transport, making the gift of a bicycle transformative. Through the programme, Habtom has been able to make connections in the city, become familiar with cycling around Birmingham, volunteer with local organisations and attend college.
He had this to say: “The Bike Project gives people another life, opportunity, courage and freedom.”
This September, dive in for something bigger. Join the Big Swim and help fund organisations that are changing lives across the UK. Join now: https://bit.ly/4h1rrYu