Paralympian Darren Kenny awards medals at inclusive cycle ride
GOLD medal-winning Paralympic cyclist Darren Kenny OBE presented medals to participants in an inclusive bike ride event.
The event was organised by PEDALL New Forest – which provides cycling sessions for children with a disability or learning difficulty and others who face challenges relating to health or age.
The Pass the Pedal relay race saw five teams made up of more than 100 of their regular riders cover a 20km course across the national park.
It began at Brockenhurst village hall and ended at the project’s new base in Burley.
Record-breaking Paralympian Darren and Fawley refinery chemical manager Richard Henderson from main sponsor Exxonmobil, presented young riders from Brockenhurst College, the Minstead Trust and Southlands School with their own medals.
Darren said: “It is great to see so many people enjoying getting outside and riding in the New Forest. I was really happy to support PEDALL which is a well-run project that is making a difference to many people in the community.”
A special trophy hand-crafted by local sculptor Michael Turner was also given to the college students for their overall Pass the Pedal participation.
PEDALL inclusive cycling project manager Donna Neseyif said: “It was such a fabulous day. The new base has made such a difference to PEDALL and the long-term sustainability of the project.
“It is wonderful to be able to celebrate this with such a fantastic event – providing our riders with new opportunities and a sense of achievement.
“It is a total privilege to be part of the team, and a huge thank you to everyone including our dedicated volunteers, trustees, funders, business sponsors and supporters. And, of course, our fantastic riders who continually inspire us all by achieving far more than they thought they could. “
Ride leader Gareth Jones added: “It was great to see so many people working together to make this event happen, and fantastic to see so many smiling faces – it is a reminder of why we do what we do!”
Brockenhurst student Jamie Cook said: “I was amazed and really happy that we won the trophy and it was a really good moment to share with my friends.
“I love PEDALL because it lets me and my other friends who can’t cycle, cycle together. It is so peaceful and beautiful in the New Forest and cycling helps my fitness and my mind, making me feel happier.”
The organisation also hosts group rides for schools, colleges, care groups and residential homes, and the project is currently in the second year of a three-year grant from The National Lottery Community Fund.
Anyone interested in finding out more about PEDALL can visit their website at www.pedall.org.uk/help.
