Kettering's Ruby wins worldwide award

She's one of just 15 people across the globe to do so!
Ruby on her challenge.Ruby on her challenge.
Ruby on her challenge.

A 12-year-old Kettering cyclist who raised thousands to help children in developing countries has won a worldwide community champion award.

Ruby Isaac is one of just 15 people across the globe to be recognised by World Bicycle Relief (WBR), a non-profit organisation which is celebrating their 15th anniversary.

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They deliver ‘buffalo bikes,’ enabling children in developing countries to tackle difficult and long journeys to get to school that otherwise would have been made on foot and helping people access healthcare and enterprise more freely.

Ruby on her challenge.Ruby on her challenge.
Ruby on her challenge.

After seeing that WBR were trying to make a difference for girls, she decided to try and raise enough money to fund 10 buffalo bikes by attempting the 1,500m climb of the Stelvio Pass when she was just 10 years of age. She eventually exceeded her target to raise £4,342 and continues to support their efforts in challenges and through her keen social media followers.

Ruby, who has ambitions to one day race at the Tour de France, said: “I am very proud to support WBR because what they do really is amazing.

"Children in Africa have to walk miles to school or a hospital so when WBR gives them a bicycle this really can change their lives for the better.

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"I feel so lucky to be able to help WBR and help change these children’s lives for the better by raising money to buy buffalo bikes.”

Ruby's dad Nick said: "We are very proud of Ruby and what she has done inspiring people with her cycling and helping people who are less fortunate than herself.

"She is very passionate about what WBR do and she is very proud to be able to support them, it is also very kind of WBR to present her with this award.

"She is already planning more fundraising for them next year and hopefully she will continue to inspire people around the world.”

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Ruby is one of just two people in the UK, and part of a group of 15 worldwide, to be recognised as a community champion in WBR's 'Faces of Change' campaign

WBR UK chief executive, Allison Dufosee, said: “These individuals and companies have committed to the power of bicycles and their work has been inspiring to us all. We are thrilled to honour their efforts as part of our 15-year anniversary celebrations. 2020 has been a challenging year for our team, the people we serve and our supporters.

"It's incredible that people are continuing to step up and come together when communities in developing countries need help most.”

Since 2005 WBR has delivered 527,820 life-changing bicycles, trained 2,455 mechanics, and helped to give communities across 21 countries the lasting support they need to change their world with two wheels.

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