Nomination 1

I’d like to nominate Pedal People to benefit from the Hove Prom charity donation.

They’re a small local charity who provide accessible cycle rides to both individuals of all ages (& their co-riders who they train up) and elder care rides to allow people who live in care homes to experience the joys of the outdoors and the benefits of exercise.

As some members may know, my son Jack (who used to be a club member and attend track sessions) has been battling a spinal cord tumour for the past three years and is now paraplegic. We’ve both enjoyed taking the pedal people tandem bikes out for rides on the seafront, it gives us exercise, a bonding opportunity and sense of well-being.

The money that Pedal People raises subsidises the costs of the rides and the upkeep of the cycles. This is their website which tells you a bit more about the work they do HOME — Pedal People.

I think that this would be an ideal charity to benefit, as it is local to Brighton, promotes the benefits of exercise, and through myself (& Jack) there is a personal connection.

Thanks in advance for your consideration,

Nomination 2

I would like to nominate the charity Pedal People for Arena’s 2024 charity.

Pedal People is a small, independent Brighton-based charity that offers the opportunity for those unable to access the outdoors, and in particular the seafront, the opportunity to do so using highly specialised accessible bikes and trishaws. It offers both an ‘Elder Care Ride Service’ and an ‘All-Ages Ride Service’ for elders or anyone of any age living with a health challenge or disability. The Elder Care ride service is run by experienced volunteer “pilots” who pick passengers up from care homes near to the seafront and take them for a ride to experience that “wind in the hair” feeling of wellbeing, and to feel part of the local community. The charity operates its services all year round and provides a truly magical and uplifting service for it’s users. At least two Arena members are volunteer pilots (me being one). Further information about Pedal People can be found at: https://www.pedalpeople.org.uk/home

Nomination 3

I would like to nominate a small, local Brighton Charity-PedalPeople. 

There are two operations to this charity…one is the rides out on Trishaws for elders  living in Hove care homes, & a hospital for adults suffering with mental health issues. The other, accessible cycles for people who may otherwise struggle to access a standard bike for varying reasons, giving them the opportunity to ride out with family & friends.

It is run by only 3 paid staff members & a great team of volunteers cycle ‘pilots’ 

 Some years back I was a volunteer cycle pilot with the team based in Hove. I had the privilege of  having 1st hand experience of what a positive impact the rides out for the care home residents had on them. Most elders were  suffering with dementia, many of them never getting any other opportunity to venture outdoors. This ‘wind in hair’ ride would be their chance to be within the community, exploring the  seafront & local green spaces. I saw  how not only was it a positive experience for both passenger & volunteer pilot. It also benefitted those that cared for them, visiting relatives & the local community who loved seeing them having a wonderful time. 

I later went on to work for the charity. Gaining a deeper understanding of the  benefits to both elders but also some of our younger community members recovering from accidents, life limiting injuries & other physical limiting conditions. I got to see how this physical exercise put family & friends on a level playing field. That an hour on the cycle could allow them to gain both strength & confidence & have a huge impact on recovery. 

I also gained an insight into the constant difficulties faced funding these small local charities. Once you recognise the importance of the service you are providing, the responsibility of continuing to provide this puts enormous stress on a small team. I know that every donation no matter how small, goes directly into facilitating rides for our often overlooked members of society, to be once again a participant within it. 

As athletes & members of the team that is Arena80, we all recognise the importance of exercise & the great outdoors & its impact on our mental health. We are a privileged group that has the luxury of good health. We also recognise how fragile this can be. Having an amazing charity on our doorstep that looks out for those less fortunate is another such privilege we must  maintain. 

Many thanks for giving this charity some thought.