Maurice Lodge dementia care home campaign for residents to ‘feel wind in their hair’ with Trishaw bike

Maurice Lodge hopes to buy a Trishaw bike Photo Cycling Without Age

Maurice Lodge in Broadstairs is on a mission to raise £5,000 for a special ‘bike’ which will allow residents to get out in the sunshine and bring back memories of younger days.

The Royal British Legion dementia care home wants to buy a Trishaw – a three wheel, power assisted cycle with two seats plus a front passenger cab for a ‘pilot’.

The Lodge already belongs to the Cycling Without Age group, a non-profit global initiative, founded in Copenhagen in 2012 with growing chapters in the UK.

Now it plans to bring some extra freedom to residents with the Trishaw.

Activities co-ordinator Vanessa Culliford (pictured) said: “It is a lovely way to take people out into the sunshine and for them to reminisce.

“We’ve raised £630 so far from our sponsored static cycle to Copenhagen – the birthplace of the trishaw and Cycling Without Age – and also through donations and a pub quiz.

“We’re looking for anyone who’d like to donate, sponsor the trishaw -maybe a local company – or come and cycle a few miles on our static bike for £1 a mile.”

Donations have been made by businesses including the Turkish restaurant at Custom House in Ramsgate and by regular visitors Haddon Dene pupils who took on the static cycle challenge.

Vanessa added: “I make any entertainers, relatives or visitors who come in take part in the ride to help with the fundraising!

“My job is to make people happy, stimulate them, keep them interested in life and as fit as they can be.

“I have always loved cycling, as have many of our residents, so this seems the perfect opportunity.

“We are the first affiliate chapter of Cycling Without Age in east Kent, founded to allow the elderly to enjoy the freedom and joy of cycling again.

“Nothing beats witnessing the joy of older people, pilots and personnel interact on an around the Trishaw and seeing the smiles of passengers coming back from their first ride with wind in their hair, rosy cheeks and full of stories.”

Residents John Rowland, David Rowland and pal cycling back in the day

To help with the fundraising effort call Vanessa at the Lodge on 01843 874858 or pop into the Lodge in Callis Court Road, Broadstairs.

To find out more about Cycling Without Age click here