A cycling charity based in Greater Manchester has finally been able to update its much needed cafe facility thanks to the adaptability of a Garic 40’x10’container.
Simply Cycling, which offers bike hire to cyclists of all abilities, is in its fifteenth year and its old facility based in Wythenshawe Park had become run down, mouldy and wet. This wasn’t ideal for the charity’s service users which can number up to 600 per day, many of whom are disabled.
Sue Blaylock who heads up Simply Cycling explained why buying a new container had been at the top of the charity’s wish list for so long.
“We offer more than 600 types of bikes including trikes, wheelchair bikes and hand cycles to all ages from babies to 96 year olds. A lot of people use the service including the disabled and disadvantaged so the cafe facility is a really important aspect of the charity. It’s a place where people can socialise whilst making drinks and that’s especially invaluable for those who might be marginalised or feel shut away.
“We’re here in all weather, seven days a week so our mind has been set on saving up for a new container for more than three years. Whilst a container might seem like a straight forward purchase, we wanted to make sure our hard earned money was well spent and with the right company that could also make any adaptations needed.”
Sue had seen lots of Garic logos on welfare equipment around Manchester so she looked the company up on the internet and soon established contact with business development coordinator, Leon Massey.
High on the list of priorities for the new container was a kitchen and tip up chairs to accommodate extra space for wheelchair users. Leon explained: “Garic makes lots of bespoke welfare products so we instantly knew we could assist Sue with what she needed – and fast. Simply Cycling is an amazing charity; where else can you hire a bike in Greater Manchester all day for £2?
“We supply hundreds of welfare units and containers every month but this delivery was super special and it’s been a real pleasure to come back and see everything in action. I’m sure our robust container will provide the charity with what it needs for many years to come.”
Simply Cycling runs six sessions per week on athletic tracks in Wythenshawe Park, Longford Park and Bogart Hole Clough Country Park. It also provides ride out sessions to local trails once per week for people with learning disabilities.
Garic staff Leon Massey, Scott Armstrong, Paul Marsden have been so impressed with the work of the charity that between them they have donated four bikes. Anyone else wishing to donate or for more information on the charity go to www.simply-cycling.org
Garic’s Leon Massey donating bikes to Sue Blaylock.
Simply Cycling’s Adrian Fisher trying out the new facilities.
