Last week in front of Marlborough’s Waitrose shoppers found a ‘bikeathon’ in progress. Young people with learning difficulties from Horizons College in Swindon were raising money for a new minibus.
It was part of a year-long, touring campaign of ‘bikeathons’ (using static exercise bikes that measure how far you would have ridden if the bike was travelling) sponsored by Swindon area Rotary Clubs.
They need to raise twenty thousand pounds for the bus and have already raised half of it. A new minibus will mean that learners can access both of the college sites, attend work placements, holiday clubs and socialise with their peers. A prominent Rotary logo will be displayed on both sides of the vehicle.
On hand for the Marlborough leg of the ‘bikeathon’ was Marlborough and District Rotary Club’s President Sally Wolfenden. The young people were aiming to cycle fifty miles – changing riders every few minutes because it was extremely hot and very tiring. But it was a mileage these young people achieved quite easily.
A Rotary Club spokesman told marlborough,news: “Thanks to Waitrose management and to the generosity of the general public, the team raised four hundred pounds added to which was one hundred and twenty pounds raised separately by Marlborough & District Rotary Club. Thanks also to Marlborough Jubilee Centre for providing light refreshments.”
The Swindon based Horizons College (formerly known as the Uplands Educational Trust College) has a Learning Centre providing unique learning facilities and staff for young adults aged 19-25 who have severe or profound multiple learning difficulties or complex needs.
