Ken on a life of service and giving back as a volunteer

Ken is the founder of Brixton Cycling Club and a long-time service user of South London and Maudsley who recently started volunteering with the Trust.

A man wearing a striped green, yellow and black Brixton cycling club top, holding a BMX bicycle. He stands in front of a gravel BMX path, with a parent and child on a scooter in the distance

I started Brixton Cycling Club in January 1981. I found that local youngsters didn’t want to do ordinary cycling as a sport, so I jumped on the BMX bandwagon. I raised money to build this track from a government fund to regenerate the inner cities, and continue to fundraise for it to this day.

The BMX track at Brockwell Park is the best it’s ever been, and so is the club. It’s taken us four major upgrades to get the track where it is today, and it’s the only public track in London.

BMX racing is the most child friendly sport there is on the whole planet. One of our kids, Jacob, is world number three and he’s only nine years old. We also cater for children with special needs and we’re supporting local disadvantaged children whose parents can’t afford the session fees, and that includes two Ukrainian brothers who are refugees. It’s a legacy for the community.

I’m not ashamed of being mentally ill. In the past there was a lot of stigma. When I had my first episode I was sectioned, and I was taken to the Maudsley. I was looked after by some Irish nurses who were really kind. When I was discharged from hospital the first time, I said that I had a nervous breakdown, otherwise the club probably wouldn’t have got the BMX track built.

Ken seated at a counter window, speaking with a man I agreed with my family then to take medication, and that has kept me out of the hospital for the last 20 years. More recently a psychiatrist told me I was entitled to social housing and a freedom pass, and one of his colleagues helped me get Personal Independence Payment. Since December 2023 I’ve been volunteering – giving back to South London and Maudsley for the support they’ve given me over the years. I’m a grateful volunteer, as opposed to a grateful service user, so, in a way, I got a promotion. A few years ago, I got a British Citizens Award for services to the community. Then in 2023, I got a letter from the Lord Lieutenant of London awarding me the British Empire Medal for services to BMX. I feel privileged to get recognition from the Royal Family.

The club has been my salvation. I’m also Chair of the Brixton Neighbourhood Forum. I’m actually a community leader. I’m in the mainstream. I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.

“I’m a grateful volunteer, as opposed to a grateful service user so, in a way, I got a promotion.”