Cycling group for people with disabilities praised

A charity has been recognised for helping people with disabilities to cycle.

Solihull Wheels for All (SWFA) was highly commended at leisure operator Everyone Active's Sporting Champions Awards, after having previously been awarded community champion status by the firm.

Sessions run by experienced instructors enable families and carers to join in activities, with the charity saying it had built up a "large fleet of adapted cycles" over the years.

Charity trustee Alan Thomson said it was "very fulfilling to see people smile".

The volunteer supported sessions take place at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre in Solihull.

The project also works with local organisations supporting people with specific needs, such as day centres and community care groups.

Thomson said: "We've got equipment like the rickshaw where people who are very nervous can sit alongside a carer and be cycled round by others.

"We also have side-by-side tandems where you sit alongside someone – very often it is somebody they know rather than just some stranger that jumps in and starts peddling with them."

Lorraine Walker, who works as a carer at Rose Cottage Care Farm, said she thought the project was good for people's mental health.

She added: "It brings out enjoyment and being in the fresh air together just makes you feel happier.

"The people we care for and the carers all benefit together. We have a good chat while we're going round and a laugh."

Everyone Active said it launched the Community Champions scheme to support projects that were "tackling local issues and changing lives".

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