A local charity Is going the extra mile thanks to funding. Walthew House, an independent local charity supporting people in Stockport who are blind, visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing are back on the road again as one of their projects, which enables blind and partially sighted cyclists to ride a tandem bicycle with a fully sighted guide, has received funding from Life Leisure’s David Hopkins Foundation.
Phil Allen (left) and his cycling guide Brendan Kelly (right) receive the cheque from Mike Atkinson.
The charity which has two custom-built tandems provide local visually impaired cyclists and their guides with a wonderful sense of freedom as it gives them the opportunity to enjoy something they couldn’t do independently. The specialist bicycles require regular maintenance and servicing to keep them road worthy and safe and these costs will be met by the grant.
Kay Kelly, executive manager at Walthew House said,
“We are extraordinarily grateful for the support from the David Hopkins Foundation, we literally couldn’t maintain this service without their help. This is such a wonderful activity which gives people a lot of pleasure as well as a regular mode of exercise. It’s important for people with disabilities to be able to be active both mentally and physically, not forgetting the social benefits of being out and about with other people.
“It’s really important that we, as a charity, are able to assist the people who come to Walthew House to be able to do what they want to do. We always like to say yes and then our role is to see how we can make it happen. It’s wonderful that the David Hopkins Foundation understands this and is simply happy to help us do what we do well.”
Walthew House – is a big community where people not only receive they also give help, contributing to the wellbeing of all those with disabilities. Volunteer Brendan Kelly is a keen cyclist and experienced sighted front rider and his role carries a lot of responsibility. He recruits and trains other front riders on how, as a sighted pilot, they are in a position of trust. Front riders need to understand how to navigate the tandem safely through the usual hazards that cyclists face such as upcoming roundabouts and potholes, as well as knowing the rules of the road and being aware that they need to give instructions in plenty of time.
It’s also important for them to provide a running commentary for the visually impaired rider, describing what’s happening around them and the scenery, so that they can fully share the experience.
Brendan partners with Phil Allen, a visually impaired rider from Stockport. Phil is a former solicitor who lost his sight as a result of a cycling accident. The tandem has enabled him to get back in the saddle and out on the open road again. He places great trust in Brendan and is very grateful for the opportunity to continue cycling!
Pictured with Phil and Brendan is Mike Atkinson, a Trustee of Life Leisure and a member of the David Hopkins Foundation panel. He said:
“This is such a fantastic cause. I was delighted to meet everyone and to see the work of the foundation in action. People should have access to sports and exercise and here at Walthew House they simply refuse to let their visual impairment stand in their way. I’m so pleased that the David Hopkins Foundation, is able to help them to make such a difference to people’s lives right here in Stockport.
“We are very proud of our Life Leisure staff and members who run charity events throughout the year to raise funds for the foundation including aerobathons, sponsored walks, cakes sales and much more.”
He continues,
“As Kay said we are here to help local charities with their good work and I would encourage other good causes that help people to become more active and participate in their chosen sport or physical activity to apply for funding too. We accept applications by individuals living in Stockport or registered charities or clubs that are based in the Stockport Borough for amounts up to £500 for individuals and £1,000 for clubs.”
The grant application form is simple to complete, so if you would like to apply for funding for your activity or project from the David Hopkins Foundation please visit lifeleisure.net/enterprise/charity or call 0161 482 0900.