Barchester’s Cedars Care Home in Landford hosted an Assisted Cycling Event with PEDALL in the New Forest to make one of their much-loved resident’s dreams come true.
Derek Hollands, a 93 year old resident at Cedars, longed to be able to cycle again. A keen cyclist in his younger days, just 20 years ago Derek cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End with his son David Hollands as part of his support team. The idea for the adventure first came to Derek when David was 9 years old, they had embarked on the same journey by car. David recalls sleeping for most of the uninterrupted drive and being surprised to find himself waking up for breakfast in Scotland!
Derek’s passion has always been cycling.He ran a Cycle Shop in Alton for 15 years where he organised cycle tours for large groups around the New Forest.When Angela Cawsey, Cedar’s Activity Coordinator, heard of Derek’s wish she contacted PEDALL Assisted Cycling and asked for their help. They were delighted to be part of Derek’s wish. The PEDALL team came along with their range of specially designed, battery enhanced cycles, including side by side tricycles and wheelchair cycles and an army of volunteers.
Derek climbed aboard a side by side tandem and was piloted around the grounds by his son. It was a wonderful sight to see and a dream come true for the pair.Many of Derek’s fellow residents also took the opportunity for a ride. The variety of cycles made the event accessible to all.
In the afternoon, residents and staff from Barchester’s Wilton Place Care Home, in Wilton and Milford House Care Home in Salisbury arrived to join in, and throughout the day locals from Landford, Alderbury and Salisbury popped in to have a go. Gareth Jones, PEDALL’s Inclusive Cycling Ride Leader coordinated the event and ensured everyone could take a turn, some more than once! He kept a tally of riders and by 4pm a staggering 45 people had ‘pushed the pedals’.
Shelley Filby, Project Manager for PEDALL commented: “It’s been such a great opportunity for the community, we are passionate about getting everyone cycling and the New Forest is the perfect place to get out in nature. A great day for Derek and everyone else too”.
Sam Humphries, General Manager at Cedars remarked: “It is so magical to see the joy on all the residents’ faces, it’s been such an inclusive and positive experience, huge thanks to Shelley, Gareth and all the wonderful volunteers for making dreams come true today and massive thanks to Angela too for having this wonderful idea!”
David added: “Dad and I have had the most brilliant day, we absolutely loved whizzing around on the tandem – I am so grateful to everyone who made this happen.I honestly never thought we’d ever be able to cycle together again.I am utterly amazed and just so thankful, the staff at Cedars really are heaven sent.”
