Runner's generosity givesboost to cycling group

Wheels for All uses specially-adapted bicycles to engage people who are isolated and would never usually do exercise.

The groups are run from Bransbury Park, in Eastney, and the Mountbatten Centre, in Hilsea.

Ines Macedo, who works for Be My Guest hairdressing salon, in Palmerston Road, Southsea, heard about the charity’s good work and decided to race for them in the Great South Run.

Volunteers and participants cycled to the salon to receive Ines’ cheque for £673.

David Bradley, from Wheels for All, said: ‘We knew she was going to raise some money for us but we had no idea she’d raise nearly £700.’

The are five sessions a week and riders are able to choose bikes which are best for their needs. The oldest member is 99.

David added: ‘We get people who have just been sitting in a wheelchair doing nothing for a long time.

‘When they have actually got involved and been put on the wheelchair carrier, the transformation is quite staggering.

‘It has caused quite a few tears amongst the volunteers to see the huge difference it makes to some people.

‘We have a fellow in his thirties who uses a wheelchair and never does anything on his own. He is pushed everywhere and everything is done for him.

‘He’s not capable of speaking and suffers from chronic arthritis.

‘We used to take him round in a wheelchair carrier until someone decided we should put him in a trike and see if he could learn to pedal.

‘He has now built up to that level and pedals around the park on his own. That is the only time in his life that he has done something on his own.’

The group relies entirely on donations and is run by volunteers – and they are looking for more.

For more information email David on [email protected] or call 07467 186068. Alternatively, you can join the Wheels for All Facebook group.