As the sun shone, brakes were checked, chains oiled, tyres pumped and legs and arms stretched as we all geared ourselves up for the Keynsham and District Mencap Society’s annual sponsored cycle, walk and wheelchair push.

Well done to those that achieved the 25-mile cycle, 10-mile cycle and 5-mile walk. This is one of our most popular fundraising activities of the year and we had over 65 people take part on Sunday; this included members and their families, staff and volunteers; and we were also very pleased to welcome a few new families to the event.

Everyone had a fantastic day and came away with a great sense of achievement, we were very lucky to enjoy the facilities of the Bird in Hand pub in Saltford, who once again after the event provided much needed refreshments of sausages and chips. We were looked after extremely well by a team of awesome staff who were very helpful and accommodating, a massive thanks to Richard who remained attentive throughout the event.

We welcomed photographer, Edward Evans, who took some amazing photos that really captured the day, and these are all displayed on our Facebook page. A huge thanks goes to Jamie Ahearne, from Sainsbury’s Local, in Keynsham, who provided water and squash for the water stations, Pat Shelley for helping at the registration post, David Johnson, who manned the water station and warned on-coming cyclists to look out for our purple clad participants, and finally our own trustees, Sue Jeffrey and Andrea Westlake, for attending to the thirsty camels who pulled up at the station in Bitton.

“We are confident that we beat our total raised last year, the final count is not in yet, but we expect to have raised in excess of £4,000, which is superb,” said Amanda Leonard, Fundraiser for KDMS. “Although we are associated to National Mencap, we are completely self-funded and this money will go a long way to helping local people with learning disabilities to enjoy social and leisure activities, all in a safe and secure environment,” she added.

This event was quite timely, funds raised will also need to go towards unforeseen costs, as earlier this month we had the misfortune of our mini bus breaking down whilst taking our members from our 18+ club on their annual holiday. At very short notice, we needed to arrange emergency alternative transport at an additional cost to ensure our members did not miss out on their holiday that they were very much looking forward to.

Keynsham and District Mencap Society provides a wide range of activities for young people and adults with learning (and some physical) disabilities, including weekly clubs, outings and sports; namely football and boccia. There is a fitness programme in place as well as annual holidays and weekends away. For more information on how you could help, please contact [email protected] or please visit our website www.Keynshammencap.org.uk

Amanda Leonard