I have been full time carer for my Mother since November 2020. She is 82 years old with Vascular Dementia and Altzeimers.

She can walk slowly but requires a walking aid or physical assistance, due to lack of coordination and stability, but I discovered she can operate and enjoys using a floor mounted pedal machine, if we're unable to go out due to inclement weather.

It's obviously important she is mentally stimulated and gets exercise and fresh air but I have, until now, struggled to find a suitable, safe bike she could use outside.

She would be a liability and a danger to herself and others on any kind of bike or motorised chair. A tandem is not suitable as, if Mum were to lose her balance or have a mini stroke, we could both end up falling off.

However, I recently discovered a bike which has been adapted to carry a carer and their patient, in a safe, stable, controlled way - riding side by side.

The passenger seat rotates 90 degrees to assist with access. The seat is more like a bucket seat, rather than a saddle, and there are arm rests and a seat belt. There is a foot rest or a 2nd set of pedals the patient can use. The pedals can be passive (free wheeling) or contribute to the propulsion of the bike.

There is an electric motor and battery to assist with starting and hill climbing.

There are 2 sets of handle bars and 8 gears each side but the carer has control of the steering and braking, for safety reasons.

I arranged a demonstration and invited our local Dementia Support lady, Sarah Ince, and Adam Crispin, Director of Home Instead Senior Care North Devon and Exmoor and chair of South Molton Dementia Alliance.

The photo shows Adam and Sarah road testing the bike.

I strongly believe these bikes would make a huge difference to both carers and their patients, both mentally and physically, improving wellbeing and stimulation for all.

Please help fund the purchase of this special Bike for our local Dementia community and their carers.

Thank you so much