Funding was awarded to a women with a T12 complete spinal injury. Dawn needed funding towards the purchase of an electric assist off-road handcycle. Dawn's injury occurred in 1999 and having raised her family, she was looking for a new purpose. Having been on an adaptive MTB (mountain bike) experience day and thoroughly enjoying it, she saw the opportunity to get out of her wheelchair and enjoy the outdoors again.
In Dawn's own words:
"The grant from Barchester’s Charitable Foundation has given me freedom.
Before the XCR Handcycle I was confined to short and exhausting trips out of the house, which gave me anxiety about how far I could go, the terrain I would encounter and whether I could successfully manage what I wanted to do.
Now I can confidently cover ground, get around the local area and head off of the path and explore the green and beautiful place I live in. I’m able to accept social invites without the fear of being left behind, or being a hindrance to my friends and family, or getting caught short when out and about.
Without the grant this equipment simply would not have been accessible, it truly has changed my life, widened my opportunities and elevated my physical and mental health as a result."