Tim Sibley, Chris Low and Ali McQueen (who are hoping to become volunteer pilots) are raising funds to support the Cycling Without Age Scotland - Banchory Chapter, to further develop their venture to enrich and enhance people’s lives in Banchory who are living with mobility issues, disability, isolation or loneliness - people of any age, but especially the elderly.

It does so by providing, completely free of charge, rides in the fresh air in its unique “Trishaws”. It increases health and wellbeing for all concerned, not just the passengers, but also the volunteer ‘Pilots’ who ride the Trishaws. In particular, it enables elderly people once again to be part of the community in which they have lived their lives, to meet old friends and to make new ones.

Chapters (or local branches) are responsible for raising the funds required for the purchase of the Trishaw/s, the running costs of their local project and their licence with CWAS which includes full insurance, training, health and safety guidance and ongoing support for the lifetime of their Chapter.

At present the Banchory Chapter, led by Julie Jansen and Deidre Sibson, have raised enough funds to get the venture started with one Trishaw, one wheelchair transporter and a support bike. But as mentioned above, it requires continued funds to keep the service going. And of course going forwards it is hoped to provide a number of extra 'Trishaws' to enhance the ability of Banchory chapter deliver what is hoped to be a strong demand for this service. The Trishaw alone costs £10800!

To help raise the funds, Tim, Chris and Ali are taking part in the ETAPE Loch Ness cycling event on Sunday 26th April. This is a closed road 106Km cycle around Loch Ness with 1114m of accent, starting and finishing in Inverness. We would be grateful for any sponsorship that you able to give. Thank you.