The Portrait Benches project commemorates local heroes nominated by their communities by immortalising them as life-sized steel figures. You'll find them on National Cycle Network routes across the UK. This latest iteration of the project is in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Portrait Bench figures can be found on National Cycle Network routes all across the UK.
As part of the Portrait Benches project, we're celebrating Lawrence Weston's local hero, Mark Pepper, as well as all NHS staff who make such valuable contributions to their communities.
This long-distance route on the National Cycle Network starts in Bristol and snakes alongside the Avon Gorge, underneath the spectacular Clifton Suspension Bridge, and all the way through to Rugby.
The route also passes close to Lawrence Weston in northwest Bristol which is home to a post-war housing estate.
Route 41, which is made up of over 120 miles, is a lovely ride with top-notch views of the stunning English countryside.
To mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, local communities nominated heroes from their hometowns.
These heroes have been immortalised as steel figures along the National Cycle Network.
Explore the National Cycle Network
Find walking, wheeling and cycling routes near youCelebrating Lawrence Weston's local heroes
Mark Pepper
Mark Pepper is a lifelong resident of Lawrence Weston who has devoted more than three decades to improving the area.
Working across community development, youth work and social care, Mark has enabled countless people and projects to thrive.
In 2012, Mark worked with other locals to found the grassroots charity Ambition Lawrence Weston, which has secured funding to make the community an even better place to live and work.
NHS staff across the UK
NHS staff across the UK are valued members of their local communities.
From nurses to doctors, porters to caterers, administrative staff to allied health professionals, each and every key worker has been vital in caring for the public through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
They stand together as more than 1.3 million selfless staff members supporting us every day across the UK.