Appeal for new site for trishaw providing vital trips for elderly in Skegness

A trishaw taking the elderly on vital trips around Skegness after months in lockdown is appealing for a new site for the vehicle..
Freda Silvester and Dot Power of Syne Hills Care Home enjoying a treat on the Cycling Without Age trishaw near the Vintage Fair in Skegness.Freda Silvester and Dot Power of Syne Hills Care Home enjoying a treat on the Cycling Without Age trishaw near the Vintage Fair in Skegness.
Freda Silvester and Dot Power of Syne Hills Care Home enjoying a treat on the Cycling Without Age trishaw near the Vintage Fair in Skegness.

Cycling Without Age Skegness has launched an appeal after receiving the blow that the garage at the Grosvenor House Hotel where the trishaw is currently stored is being sold..

"We have had some money donated to us which we can use to buy a shed, but we still need a site for it," explained Sarah Mochan, who now has 12 volunteers including trishaw pilots since the world-wide charity launched in Skegness two-and-a-half years ago.

Although lockdown meant it has been a quiet year for the charity as most of their clients are vulnerable, the trishaw was finally brought out last week to take residents of Syne Hills Care Home on trips along the seafront.

So nice to get out and see the beach - Freda Silvester and Dot Power of Syne Hills Care Home.So nice to get out and see the beach - Freda Silvester and Dot Power of Syne Hills Care Home.
So nice to get out and see the beach - Freda Silvester and Dot Power of Syne Hills Care Home.

"Normally at this time of the year we would be really busy taking the elderly out on trips," said Sarah. "Many of the care homes in the town are still not ready to feel its safe for residents to go out and we want to reassure them that what we offer is safe.

"The trishaw is santitized and takes two passengers at a time, who are from their own 'bubble'. Pilots sit behind them and wear PPE and keep well out of the way of any members of the public they pass."

Syne Hills Care Home added the extra bonus that the man in charge, Chris Sweeney, is a pilot too.

"We thought it was so important after five months in lockdown to get the residents out, and the trishaw lends itself so well to be able to do this safely," said Chris.

The Fairy Dell would normally be full of families at this time of the year.The Fairy Dell would normally be full of families at this time of the year.
The Fairy Dell would normally be full of families at this time of the year.

"Being a pilot myself is a bonus because I understand my residents needs, especially when they need help getting in and out of the trishaw which otherwise could be difficult with social distancing..

"Altogether we took seven residents out over four trips last week and it was worth it to see the smile on the residents faces.

"They were like celebrities - for one thing a lot of people have never seen a trishaw.

"They had lots of fun - and an ice-cream, of course.

Riding by the RNLI Lifeboat Station on a trip along the seafront.Riding by the RNLI Lifeboat Station on a trip along the seafront.
Riding by the RNLI Lifeboat Station on a trip along the seafront.

"One of the residents even said 'there's no better way to travel'.

"It's been really hard for residents since lockdown and even now they are only allowed one constant visitor.

"We do our best with activities and the precautions we have put in place to keep them safe, including weekly testing, so getting out in the trishaw is really special."

Sarah is now hoping other staff members from care homes will train as pilots so more elderly people can go out on trips.

Anyone for a cuppa - Freda and Dot on their ride in a trishaw.Anyone for a cuppa - Freda and Dot on their ride in a trishaw.
Anyone for a cuppa - Freda and Dot on their ride in a trishaw.

Also training as a pilot is Coun Simon Claxton. He said: "Cycling Without Age is a brilliant scheme. These trishaws are an amazing invention to help those less active to still feel the wind in their hair.

Cycling Without Age is enjoyed all over the world and puts Skegness on the map."

*Anyone who can help with a site for the trishaw, preferably in the centre of the town, or is interested in becoming a volunteer or a pilot should call 07704275670.

For more more details visit the website at www.cwaskegness.co.uk and the Cycling Without Age Skegness Facebook page.

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