Appeal to purchase special bike for Chester community
A Chester cycling community group and care home are calling on the support of the local community to help raise funds for a new trishaw to take residents out in the city.
The newly formed Chester chapter of Cycling Without Age has launched a fundraising campaign for the purchase of a trishaw bicycle with the support of Upton Dene Residential and Nursing Home.
Cycling Without Age, a volunteer-led scheme, uses ‘pilots’ to take older members of the community out on trishaw cycle rides. With a pilot from Cycling Without Age doing both the pedalling and steering, residents can sit back, relax and enjoy a tour of their community, taking in the local sights and feeling the wind in their hair.
The group has already raised funds to purchase one trishaw bike, which will be stored and used by residents at the Sanctuary Care home and elderly members of the local area. They are now looking to raise funds for a second, which will allow them to reach even more members of the community.
Kate Rayner, Chair of Cycling Without Age Chester, said: We’re thrilled to be basing our trishaws at Upton Dene. Local pathways will provide the perfect location for elderly passengers, particularly those with limited mobility, to experience the beauty of nature in a fun and safe way.
“Thanks to a significant donation from Cheshire West and Chester Council we are currently at 88 per cent of our funding target for our second trishaw. We now need to raise just over £1,000 by the end of December to ensure we reach our goal and receive the funding.”
Tracy Mitchell, Sanctuary Care’s home manager at Upton Dene, added: “We are always looking at ways to help our residents continue to experience and enjoy the things they love in life, and we know cycle rides are just that.
“Having these bikes will allow our residents to enjoy the outdoors safely and experience a freedom which will benefit their mental health and wellbeing, while connecting with the wider community.”
Donations can be made by visiting Cycling Without Age Chester’s fundraising page, or for more information visit its Facebook page or contact Kate Rayner by emailing chester@cyclingwithoutage.org.uk.
