WDH gives £1,000 for special bike

When Gail Tombs was looking for a suitable bicycle for disabled youngsters, she came across the “WRK special-needs bike” and knew immediately she had found the right one.

As coordinator of The Mulberry Club, an activity group in Havercroft for 7-19 year olds with special needs, Gail had been looking for a specially adapted bike that would develop the youngsters’ motor-skills and fitness levels.

The WRK bike seemed perfect: four wheels, lightweight, handled easily, adjustable, and can be ridden by both physically and mentally disabled children.

The only stumbling block, however, was the £1000 price tag.

Driven to make a difference to the lives of the brave youngsters who attend the Mulberry Club each Monday evening, Gail approached Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) to see if they could help with funding.

“Someone told me that I could apply to WDH for funds, so I went to the WDH website and downloaded an application form for a Community Grant,” says Gail.

“I printed out the application form, sent it off and waited for a short while. I then got a phone call saying we’d been awarded the £1000 – the maximum amount we could get.

“Myself and the parents of the children were elated. The parents are very supportive and were so pleased. It’s really kick-started the project.”

After WDH’s Local Management Committee (LMC) approved the group’s application, Jane Gwilliam, WDH Tenant Involvement Officer, visited the Mulberry Club.

Jane explains, “We went to see the kids, and were impressed by how hard Gail and the parents work to improve the children’s lives.

“The LMC thought it was such a good cause that they voted to make the thousand pounds available for the bicycle.”

As for the kids, they absolutely love the bike and it never gets a moment's rest.