TRAFFORD Wheelers all ability cycling club has expressed delight after being awarded more than £3,000 to buy a ‘superb’ new bike.


The club was awarded the money as part of this year’s Gannet Foundation regional grants, which annually donates money to charities and good causes.


Sue Blaylock, manager of Simply Cycling, which runs Trafford Wheelers and sister orgnaisation, Whythenshawe Wheelers, explained to Messenger why its work with people with physical, learning and sensory disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders and mental health needs, is so vital to the community.


Simply Cycling already has 120 adapted bikes, trikes, hand cycles and wheelchair accessible bikes, but will use the £3,079 donated by Gannet to purchase a ‘trandem’ – a three wheeled tandem with the main stability being at the front and the person in charge of steering and controlling the brakes is seated at the back.


Sue said: “We’ve already got one trandem at Wythenshawe Park but not at Longford, so to be able to provide one to both clubs is superb.


“We do have children who have severe epilepsy and cerebral palsy where balance issues make it unstable to ride on their own and the trandem allows the parents to see what their child is doing and ensure they are safe.”


Sue said Simply Cycling has been operating for 10 years, expanding to Stretford’s Longford Park three years ago, running sessions seven days a week.


It’s youngest rider is just three days old and it’s oldest 87 years.


“We offer a service and activities which are totally inclusive and there aren’t many places where people with disabilities can just take off on a bike and because we use athletic tracks it’s a completely safe environment.


For more information visit simply-cycling.org/.

 

• Gannett is the parent company of Newsquest, owners of Messenger Newspapers.
Each year it supports charities that take a creative approach to fundamental issues, such as education and neighbourhood improvements, economic development, youth development, local problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged or disabled people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment.