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The ten year anniversary 'Only Fools and Donkeys' charity bike ride raised more than £60,000 this summer - benefiting local good causes including the 'Wheels For You' scheme.
Wheels For You aims to enable those who can't use two-wheeled bikes to be able to cycle.
The organisation holds cycling sessions on a Sunday morning at Les Beaucamps School with a number of adapted bikes which suit a variety of needs.
Out of the money raised through their 2022 Mule Aquitaine ride, the OF&D bought a 'Fun 2 Go' side by side tandem trike which is used at those sessions.
The charity bike riders also committed to buy two more adapted bikes with the funds from this year’s ride.
Pictured: The original trike bought by OF&D for Wheels For You, on display at Government House this summer.
“Each adapted bike suits different needs and we are funding a Velo Plus and a Maxi Comfort Tricycle. Adding two more to the Wheel For You stock will allow so many more people to have the opportunity to experience the joy of cycling.” said Matt Collas, Board member of OF&D.
“Having staged five charity bike rides, it’s something we feel very passionately about and are fortunate enough to take for granted.”
This summer's ride marked 10 years since the first Only Fools and Donkeys outing. This year, 53 riders took place, covering more than 25,000 miles across France, raising £61,677.
They cycled to Mule D’Ane-versaire, covering a combined total of over 25,000 miles from St Malo through Vitre, Nantes, Saine Nazaire and Rennes before heading back to St Malo. A nod to the first ride back in 2014, Mule Bretagne.
“We are thrilled to announce that we have raised £61,677 from this summer’s ride, which has hugely exceeded our expectations” said Sharon Parr, Chair of the OF&D Board.
“Our Mules are the most fantastic bunch of people and as well as covering some significant miles they have worked so hard to raise money through cakes sales, turbo sessions at supermarkets, meat draws and bingo nights. It’s an amazing amount of money which we can make a real difference with.”
As well as Wheels For You, money has been allocated to meet ongoing commitments such as the Headway Buddy Scheme, which encourages and enables their members to exercise; the sponsorship of Le Murier’s Everest Challenge so all money raised can go towards the school’s residential programme; purchase of sails and life jackets for the Guernsey Sailing Trust’s sailability and inclusion groups; ice skating for students from Le Rondin and Le Murier; as well as the annual Afternoon of Christmas.
“We are also talking to a number of charities we’ve not worked with before to see how we can support them and will be continuing our support of Autism Guernsey.” said Ray Smart, co- founder of OF&D. “We’re always looking for new projects, so if anyone is working with a charity or association that has a sport or activity that encourages inclusivity and enables those who would not normally be able to participate to do so, we’d love to hear from you.
"We’re also very happy to fund the dull stuff which is often hard to secure funding for but where you can make a big difference.”
"This is a wonderful, wonderful charity"
More "fools and donkeys" set off on a cycling challenge!
GALLERY: Charity cyclists wished well on their trip by Lieutenant Governor
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