In 2020 we were delighted to donate £1000 towards the purchase of this Mountain trike to help the Duke of Edinburgh Award. We share the D of E’s ethos and believe in equal opportunities for all young people. We were moved and excited about the prospect of helping them achieve this goal and delighted to be able to help provide the equipment needed for participants who are unable to walk to join their expeditions. Here’s a report from D of E.
Mountain Trike Report
“We would like to offer our thanks and appreciation for the support and financial contribution The Paramount Foundation has given us this year. Your contribution went a long way to purchase a Mountain Trike wheelchair to be used by Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants who are unable to walk long distances over rough terrain.
Our initial challenge was to plan a 4-day Gold expedition in Wales that would be suitable for our wheelchair user. Although the young person had his own electric 4-wheel drive chair, it wasn’t suitable for the rougher terrain, it was heavy needing a specialist vehicle to transport it, and restricted battery life. After much research, we found a suitable chair that met our requirements and ticked our boxes.
So back in February 2020, the team borrowed a Mountain Trike to take to Snowdonia to trail it and find suitable routes. It was agreed by the team that this would meet the needs of the participants. The chair was light, had electric override, could be self-propelled, and did not need a specialist vehicle to transport it. With your help, we were able to place an order.
Unfortunately, COVID got in the way and prevented our trip to Wales with the group. However, I am pleased to say the expedition still went ahead around the SE Coast early this month (July 2021). Our participant was able to complete his Gold Award, enjoy the same experience as his classmates, without having to compromise his experience. On the final day of the expedition, he and his team managed to navigate the chalk cliffs at Eastbourne to Beachy Head and beyond.
The chair has given us the opportunity to make our future expeditions more accessible for young people with restricted mobility. It means that they can enjoy the experience over rougher terrain and not be limited to flat paths.
Once again, I would like to thank you for your support. “