[M]embers of staff and their families from NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), along with NHS colleagues have raised an impressive £1,254 for the Watchtree Nature Reserve, near Carlisle.
Staff took part in a challenge which involved them running or walking around the 2 mile course over a 24 hour period.
One of their projects ‘The Watchtree Wheelers project’ is a cycle facility within the reserve which specialises in the provision of adapted bikes for riders with disabilities as well as teaching people to ride. Individuals, families and groups use our bikes to explore the reserve’s many trails.
Currently three kilometres of the trails at the Great Orton reserve are in a state of disrepair so funds raised go towards repairs ensuring that children, young people and adults with a disability have easy access to cycling activities on a daily basis. Resurfacing the trails allows for riders on adapted cycles, children on scoot bikes, buggies, skaters and wheelchairs to have full access to the facilities.
The event took place in November last year and Watchtree was presented with the cheque last week (16 February) at the reserve by Harry Harrison, NHS North Cumbria CCG’s Commissioning Manager for Children and Families.
Harry, who organised the event said: “I just want to say a massive, huge, amazing thank you, for all who took part and to all who have donated to this fundraising challenge.
“It’s a really great cause as they give fantastic opportunities to all.
“It’s also really gratifying to see work already underway at Watchtree, which means improved access for all, especially in support of all their projects for disabled riders and families.”