Dr Warren to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats Event Mobility charity
On the 24th July, Dr Mark Warren, aged 49 from Bredon near Tewkesbury, will be attempting to cycle 1173 miles to raise funds for Event Mobility – the Pershore-based charity that loans mobility scooters and wheelchairs at nationwide events. As Mark has just turned 50, he has decided to attempt a significant challenge on his bicycle to remember the occasion. As a serious amateur, Mark has ridden on and off road for many years and has a passion for cycling in general. He has completed charity rides in the past but has never attempted anything as extreme as this challenge. Mark will be cycling over 100 miles each day, back-to-back, with the aim of reaching John O’Groats within 11 days. By choosing to ride north he has the extra challenge of tackling over 60,000ft of cumulative elevation as he negotiates multiple ascents and descents. Aiming to arrive at the most northerly point in the UK on 3rd August, Mark plans to raise over £5,000 for Event Mobility with the help of its partner scooter supplier, TGA Mobility. Event Mobility is a registered national charity, established in 1999 which provides access to shows and events for disabled, elderly and mobility impaired people through the short-term loan of electric scooters and manual wheelchairs. The charity was founded by Bryan Lupton who was diagnosed in 1995 with MS and could no longer enjoy ‘walking the cross-country course’ at Badminton Horse Trials. With the use of a loaned mobility scooter he was once again able to enjoy this experience and which sparked the idea for Event Mobility. The charity now provides a fleet of 300 mobility scooters and 100 manual wheelchairs for well-known events such as The British Grand Prix, The Ryder Cup and Glastonbury. The majority of scooters available are supplied by the product specialist TGA Mobility, including the Breeze S4 which is famous for winning the extreme scooter challenge on BBC’s Top Gear programme. Mark explains why he has chosen to raise funds for Event Mobility: “One of my local friends is the Chair of the Event Mobility Board of Trustees – Mike Harrison. I explained to him I was looking to raise funds for a smaller charity that still had a national impact. With its local connections to me Event Mobility was therefore the perfect choice. Their small team do an amazing job and deserve a boost, especially as they continue to push the boundaries of mobility. I see the work they do first hand and the huge difference it makes, without their services so many events would not be accessible for all. My end-to-end challenge aims to give the charity an injection of investment so they can expand their scooter fleet and provide independence to even more event and festival goers.” Mark will be using routes that are part of the National Cycle Network which is maintained by the charity Sustrans. This involves higher mileage however the benefits include cycling on quieter roads and designated paths, all enhanced by scenic views. He will be supported by his family in a motorhome who will meet him at the end of each daily stage so that he can prepare for the next 100 miles. Leaving Land’s End at 8am on day one, Mark’s itinerary will include: Churchtown, Dulverton, Berkeley, Bridgnorth, Bury, Kings Meaburn, Abingdon, Strathyre, Aviemore, Lairg and concluding at John O’Groats. This gruelling schedule is not being underestimated by Mark: “People have said to me that this challenge is like asking a runner to do back-to-back marathons for 11 days. Hence I have been putting some serious training so that I have the strength and stamina to successfully complete the distance on my Tifosi road bike. I’ll be collecting donations as I go but I would like to encourage everyone to donate to the Event Mobility Just Giving Page. Whatever can be spared will help Event Mobility continue to meet the growing demand for independent mobility.” Daniel Stone, TGA Mobility Managing Director adds: “We are delighted to be sponsoring Mark’s challenge with donations and free PR so that awareness and funds are maximised. It is a commendable effort by him and we wish him luck with this challenging endeavour. The availability of our quality TGA mobility scooters for loan at large events is essential in terms of accessibility and inclusion. Therefore, we are 100% behind Mark’s challenge that will help expand Event Mobility’s services so that more disabled and elderly people can experience events in comfort and without hassle.” Donations can be placed at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/event-mobility/landsendcycle2018
A tribute to disability activist Professor Mike Oliver
UCan2’s Jenni Meredith on the legacy of disability activist Professor Mike Oliver, and the future of disability rights in the UK under new Disabilities Minister Justin Tomlinson as Brexit looms… In March this year, Professor Mike Oliver, a fiery disabled activist and the man who changed mainstream attitudes with his social model of disability, sadly died.He was the person largely responsible for forcing the UK Government to adopt anti-discrimination legislation in the form of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), yet was disappointed with the Act when it finally appeared on the statue books. The DDA used the medical model to label each of us as a set of symptoms, but at least the “reasonable adjustments” part of the current Equality Act pays heed to the social model. However weak, unenforceable and divisive the DDA was, it was the foundation for current equality and anti- discrimination legislation and is the reason that today we can, if we have the stamina and the cash, challenge workplace discrimination in UK law courts. But despite the gains made by direct action campaigners such as Disability Action Network in the 1980s, we do seem to be almost back at square one with some private employers discriminating on a daily basis and recently even the DWP, a Governmental Organisation no less, forced one of their disabled employees to seek justice via litigation. It is a tragedy that the Government breaks its own legislation. But at least that puts us firmly in the non- discriminatory zone. After all, Governments regularly break their own rules in plenty of other areas too. The DWP lost a case brought against them by a staff member, a DWP case officer in fact, who claimed the DWP had not made reasonable adjustments concerning his mental health. This claimant was dismissed from his post in 2017 after several months of struggling with the conditions under whichhe was asked to work. He went through various legal procedures for two to three years and In the summerof 2018 the tribunal reserved Judgement on four counts, pending further investigation. Finally, this Spring, the judge ruledthat the DWP had not sufficiently taken into account their employee’s depression, and should have allowed him to work flexible hours to relieve the stress of having to arrive and leave at inflexible specified times. The employee was awarded £35,000, which sounds great, until you consider the stress this man was forced to endure fora prolonged period, theloss of income he suffered during that time and any legal costs he might have had to pay upfront, now that it is so hard to get Legal Aid. Money can never restore the damage done by disabling and discriminating attitudes. Additionally, how many of us would have the stamina to fight such drawn out court cases? Ironically back in 2017 the DWP was in the negative limelight yet again for telling their case officers to discriminate against people with mental health issues when assessing PIP payments. This official DWP guidance came just before their case worker with mental health issues was dismissed with unsatisfactory reasonable adjustments made, and just after a tribunal ruled that people needing mobility help due to psychological issues were entitled to the same help as those with physical issues. Back in the early 1990s Professor Oliver instigated a research project, which resulted in a book by Colin Barnes that used the Government’s own statistics to prove an urgent need for anti- discrimination legislation. Perhaps it’s now time to use the Government’s own statistics to prove an urgent need for stronger, more enforceable legislation and for increasing legal aid budgets. What effect is Brexit having on disabled people’s rights? One problem, of course, is that due to institutionalised prejudice, any laws adopted are also likely to be biased and prejudiced. So we have a situation where Governments adopt legislation that prohibits certain types of discrimination and yet those laws themselves are discriminatory. Take for example the issue of equal pay. There are changes in the pipeline as the Government consultation on ethnicity pay reporting closed this January. But all MPs and Whitehall officers are snowed under with the ever-evolving Brexit leave date, so we shouldn’t apportion too much blame if the responses to the consultation have so far been left without action. But it is interesting to note that the consultation was on the introduction of mandatory pay-gap reporting where ethnicity is concerned, yet gender inequality of pay and disability inequality of pay will remain with voluntary pay-gap reporting. These laws come under the heading of anti- discrimination legislation, yet they demonstrably discriminate. And despite being told late March that due to Brexit debates the vacant post of Disabilities Minister would be left unfilled, only eight days later another announcement gave us the new minister’s name; the replacement for Sarah Newton being arguably disablist, as demonstrated by his voting record. He has often, and usually, voted against laws to promote equality and has consistently voted against higher benefits for those unable to work due to illness or disability. Just the sort of minister we need? Find Jenni, who also writes health-related poetry, at wordsart.co.uk
Able2 expands their comprehensive range of rollators
June sees Able2 expand their comprehensive range of rollators with another string to their bow – the EZ Fold-N-Go. For many, a rollator is a great way to keep mobile as the years pass: it provides support when walking, is often somewhere to sit for minute and can on occasion handily store bits and bobs picked up during a trip to town. Nowadays, with space at a premium wherever we go, a rollator can seem a cumbersome piece of equipment when you’re trying to tuck it out of the way. The new EZ Fold-N-Go is different, folding both widthways and front to back this product measures just 33 x 25cm when folded and so is easy to tuck in a corner out of the way. “Crowded public transport, tightly squeezed in coffee shop tables and even small rooms at home mean that tucking your walking aid out of the way is nigh on impossible in many situations. It’s why Able2 have been on the lookout for a folding mechanism that enables a rollator to collapse down significantly smaller; reducing its impact when not in use” explains Able2 Managing Director Mark Diaj. At 6.1kg the EZ Fold-N-Go strikes the perfect balance – lightweight enough to be easy to use, yet with enough weight to ensure that it is sturdy and reliable. Like many of Able2’s products the EZ Fold-N-Go comes in a range of colours, enabling customers to express their personality through choice. Able2 are a national supplier to mobility retailers, pharmacies and the healthcare sector; supplying a huge range of aids that are designed to make life easier. For more information on where to purchase Able2 products, or to register as a retailer, please visit www.able2.eu.
Fellowship award offered by children’s disability partnership
An exciting new funding disability partnership will see dedicated investment of £270,000 ring-fenced specifically to help children with disabilities across the UK. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children have joined forces to offer talented post- doctorial researchers the opportunity to compete for a pioneering three-year fellowship award. The partnership, launched earlier this week at RCPCH’s annual conference in Birmingham, will enable the chosen recipient to have a real impact on the lives and health of children with disabilities across the UK. Newlife, which has been investing in medical research for more than 10 years, will contribute £135,000 with RCPCH providing match funding. The successful researcher will receive a fellowship grant to the value of £250,000 to advance paediatric research in the field of childhood disability, while supporting them to progress their own career. Sheila Brown OBE, CEO of Newlife, said: “We are delighted to work with such a prestigious organisation on this ground-breaking project and hope other charities follow our lead.” Jo Revill, CEO of RCPCH, said: “Investing in paediatric research is vital if we’re to continue to improve the health and wellbeing of children.” For other disabled charity fundraising take a look at our Features page
Learning disability charity recognises outstanding volunteers
This Volunteers’ Week, national learning disability charity Hft is celebrating its 110 volunteers, who have dedicated more than 8,000 hours of their time in the last year. The charity offers various opportunities for volunteering, ranging from corporate volunteering and fundraising to a buddy scheme. Volunteers have the chance to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities, while also gaining confidence, skills and new friendships as a result. Among Hft’s volunteers is Valerie Healy, 40, who started volunteering at a supported living service in Bristol at the start of 2018. The administrator was matched with a 40 year old at the service through the charity’s buddy scheme, which pairs people with volunteers with similar interests who can introduce them to new activities. The two now spend a day a week together, taking part in a range of activities including music, Zumba dancing and trips out. Valerie said: “I like volunteering for Hft as it is very uplifting. I’m always greeted with smiling faces and hugs. As a volunteer, you get such a great sense of achievement, friendship, and belonging. It’s really rewarding and an experience like no other.” Also giving up his time for the charity is Will Harris, who has cerebral palsy and works full time as a support worker for another provider. He has been with Hft’s friendship and dating service Luv2meetU since its inception in 2007 and has racked up nearly 1,000 volunteering hours. Will has taken on a range of roles including monthly days out where he supports up to six people to take part in local activities, as well as regular mentoring sessions with new volunteers. Other volunteers include 63 year old Kate Cross, who volunteers for Luv2meetU too. As a parent of a member of the unique dating service, Kate was inspired to start volunteering after witnessing first-hand the impact Luv2meetU had on her daughter. Contributing over 100 hours over the last four years, Kate has been heavily involved in fundraising events ranging from service launches to rotary dinners, and even two fashion shows, which raised over £4,000. She’s also used her expertise as a parent to help the Luv2meetU team develop stronger relationships with family members. Lorna Bird, Project Coordinator for Volunteering at Hft, said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of many of our initiatives, which simply could not run without them. We’re delighted that our volunteers choose to give up their valuable time to Hft and are always looking for more people to join us in supporting people with learning disabilities to live the best life possible.” Volunteers’ Week takes place from 1 – 7 June this year and aims to celebrate and thank the millions of volunteers across the UK for the contributions they make. Hft currently supports more than 2,900 people with learning disabilities across the country. This includes supporting people with learning disabilities to live with as much independence, choice, dignity and control as possible. That can range from helping someone to find a job, make friends or adapting their home so they can enjoy a greater level of independence.
Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things
Volunteers are at the very heart of the success of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), and are the glue that binds every aspect of the charity together. Every year, Volunteers’ Week (June 1-7) provides a chance to celebrate the amazing contribution that is made by ordinary people from every walk of life who give up their valuable time to benefit others. But, as a recent RDA report found, volunteering doesn’t just benefit the participants but has a huge role to play in tackling loneliness and mental health, helping people gain more perspective and become less inward focused. There are many different roles fulfilled by volunteers, without whom the charity wouldn’t be able to carry out its life-changing work. From people on the ground assisting riders at RDA Groups up and down the country to the dedicated fund-raisers, whose constant determination ensures the books balance, volunteers are vital. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of RDA in 2019, their 50 Faces campaign is telling the story of 50 volunteers, members and participants, to highlight their fantastic achievements. Here we meet one of the 50 Faces, volunteer, Doug Smith, who is testament to the fact that volunteering with RDA could lead to exciting adventures all over the world. At the age of 45, Doug Smith found himself unemployable, uninsurable and not realising he was sinking into clinical depression. Born and bred in Handsworth, Birmingham, Doug’s first picture of him riding was on a donkey called Silver at Weston Super Mare around 1959 and in 1973 he joined the Mounted Police, a career he thoroughly enjoyed until one fateful day. “At first I rode and trained on a variety of horses but after a while I was allocated my own horse to train and I ended up taking him to Orgreave during the Miner’s Strike.” Said Doug, a member of the Stafford and District RDA Group. “He was only a little horse, but he had the heart of a lion, galloping on the road into a full-blown riot. “You’d go from something like that to the Pope’s visit to Coventry. Thousands and thousands of people, and suddenly we were surrounded by about 200 singing nuns. That was crowd control of the best kind!” Doug’s spiral out of control started when he broke his back, being thrown from a horse, leaving him in a full body cast and spending four months in a metal cage. Until then he had produced a number of horses from raw youngsters enjoying the process and the time it takes to build their trust. When Doug found himself out of work and at a low ebb following his accident, it was suggested to him that he might like to go to the Atlanta Paralympics as a volunteer. On his return he threw himself into volunteering at RDA and with his wealth of riding experience he became a much valued member of the team and by his own admission it transformed his life. In 2000, Doug travelled to Australia where he was yard manager for the Paralympic team at the Syndey Olympics, with his philosophy being that it’s the contribution of volunteers that preserve an event. Adds Doug: “I have met some incredible people from all around the world and worked with a huge variety of horses. “The Atlanta Olympics were one on their own. Without doubt the RDA has provided so many amazing experiences and taken me all around the world, meeting lots of lovely people. “As an RDA volunteer we should be bloody proud of what we do, and not go around saying, I’m just an RDA volunteer. I’m sorry that just winds me up; you’re not just an RDA volunteer. You are an RDA volunteer. Be proud. “It is important to be professional in everything we do and that way we will be respected in the equestrian world. “There are fabulous people in the RDA who do amazing jobs and we have to aspire to that.” Volunteering with RDA – Horses, Health and Happiness RDA recently surveyed over 1,500 of its volunteers to understand the impact of volunteering on their physical and mental well-being. The results, presented to Parliament to launch RDA’s 50th anniversary, revealed the multiple benefits: 81% said that volunteering with RDA made them feel better about themselves. 88% said they felt like they belonged to the RDA Community. 93% said volunteering helped to keep them physically active 95% of RDA volunteers feel they have gained knowledge and skills. 80% feel the knowledge they have gained has helped them in other areas of their life For more information about volunteering with RDA, to visit the 50 Faces project or download the report ‘Horse, Health & Happiness’ visit www.rda.org.uk
Meet the 50 Faces Breaking Down Barriers
Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) is celebrating 50 years of achievement, therapy and fun through horses with a stunning online collection of portraits and stories from all over the UK. Designed to challenge preconceptions about disability, volunteering and the world of horses, 50 faces is a celebration of the brilliant, fearless and pioneering people who make up the RDA family. Right from the start, RDA has helped to open up the world of horses to everyone. The charity’s radical mission in 1969 that ‘no disabled person who could benefit from riding shall be denied the opportunity of doing so’ was the start of a quiet revolution that is still breaking down barriers today. 50 Faces acknowledges and celebrates RDA’s impact on people’s lives, regardless of age or background, from those who horse ride and carriage drive for life changing therapy, to the Paralympians who started their journey with their local RDA group. “In our 50th year we want people outside of RDA to feel that they can get involved, and that means everyone. 50 Faces is about saying: if you think you know who takes part in horse sport – think again!” says RDA UK Communications Manager Caroline Ward. “RDA has spent 50 years breaking down the barriers to participation, championing the goals and achievements of disabled people and welcoming volunteers and supporters from all walks of life. By reading just a few of the stories behind the people, hopefully we can inspire more people to join in.” Among the 50 faces are Paralympian Sophie Christiansen CBE, Eventer Bill Levett’s son Josh, renowned jockey Tyrone Williams and Countryfile ‘Farming hero’ Julia Evans. The campaign also features a Bolivian basketball player, a Hollywood stunt double, a motor racing coach, a horse racing nun and the woman who overcame all the odds to start Riding for the Disabled in Russia. Explore the 50 faces project at www.rda.org.uk/50-faces Meet RDA volunteer, trustee and rider, Colin Duthie, Carrick RDA, Scotland “At the age of 20, I was run over by a lorry. I suffered horrendous injuries – including an above knee amputation. “My first experience of horse riding was through my local RDA. To say it was a profound experience would be an understatement. Horse riding really did save my life. You have to understand, at that time I was in a very bad way, both physically and mentally mainly due to not being able to walk. “However, going from losing one leg to gaining four when riding was very cool, plus being on horseback was the only time I was out of pain. RDA gave me the confidence to challenge myself and others and put me on the path I am on now – living life to the full whilst helping others along the way. “Since then, I’ve done a wheelchair ascent of Ben Nevis, helped achieve a new world record for a team of wheelchair users pulling a Boeing 757, set up the South Ayrshire Tigers Powerchair Football Club and been on several long distance motorbike rallies for charity. “I’ve been a motorsport fanatic my whole life, but I never thought I’d get my race license and actually start racing – especially as a 54 year old lower limb amputee. I’m the first disabled driver ever to race in Super Lap Scotland. It was a dream come true. I’m also the first disabled person in the UK to become a Level 2 Motorsport Coach. In 2016 I helped set up the charity Disability Motorsport Scotland and so far we’ve arranged track days for over 130 disabled people as drivers and passengers. “I’m also now Chairman of Carrick RDA, where my life started again, way back in 1996. The last 35 years have been one heck of a rollercoaster – but I’d rather have the ups and downs than going nowhere. THANK YOU RDA, from the bottom of my heart, and from all my family and friends too. Here’s to the next 50 years.” Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things May 2019 Volunteers are at the very heart of the success of Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), and are the glue that binds every aspect of the charity together. Every year, Volunteers’ Week (June 1-7) provides a chance to celebrate the amazing contribution that is made by ordinary people from every walk of life who give up their valuable time to benefit others. But, as a recent RDA report found, volunteering doesn’t just benefit the participants but has a huge role to play in tackling loneliness and mental health, helping people gain more perspective and become less inward focused. There are many different roles fulfilled by volunteers, without whom the charity wouldn’t be able to carry out its life-changing work. From people on the ground assisting riders at RDA Groups up and down the country to the dedicated fund-raisers, whose constant determination ensures the books balance, volunteers are vital. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of RDA in 2019, their 50 Faces campaign is telling the story of 50 volunteers, members and participants, to highlight their fantastic achievements. Here we meet one of the 50 Faces, volunteer, Doug Smith, who is testament to the fact that volunteering with RDA could lead to exciting adventures all over the world. At the age of 45, Doug Smith found himself unemployable, uninsurable and not realising he was sinking into clinical depression. Born and bred in Handsworth, Birmingham, Doug’s first picture of him riding was on a donkey called Silver at Weston Super Mare around 1959 and in 1973 he joined the Mounted Police, a career he thoroughly enjoyed until one fateful day. “At first I rode and trained on a variety of horses but after a while I was allocated my own horse to train and I ended up taking him to Orgreave during the Miner’s Strike.” Said Doug, a member of the Stafford and District RDA Group. “He was only a little horse, but he had the heart of a lion, galloping on the road into a full-blown riot.
Stairlift donations to transform palliative care
Acorn Stairlifts has announced plans to raise £20,00 for Marie Curie to fund 1,000 hours of care from its specially trained nurses. Continuing the partnership between UK-based stairlift manufacturer and Marie Curie, £10 will be donated to the charity for every stairlift installed before 9thJune. Acorn Stairlifts already installs up to 60 free stairlifts each year to Marie Curie patients, helping support people living with terminal illness by giving them the freedom to be cared for at home. Caren Larkman-Ayre, national sales manager at Acorn Stairlifts, said: “We’re very proud to be supporting Marie Curie, a charity that does amazing work caring for people during exceptionally difficult times. “Since our partnership began in 2016, we have installed more than 150 stairlifts for people living with a terminal illness, enabling them to be cared for at home and helping them to make the most of the time they have with their loved ones. “Every stairlift sold will help not only help the person who will benefit from its installation, but also the thousands of people across the UK who Marie Curie care for.” It is hoped that the money raised throughout the scheme will raise enough money to provide invaluable care and support for hundreds of terminally-ill patients and their families throughout the nation. Charlotte Scurrah, Corporate Development Manager at Marie Curie, added: “Acorn Stairlifts’ very generous initiative will go a long way to helping Marie Curie provide care for more people living with a terminal illness and their families. “Acorn Stairlifts’ support throughout our partnership has been fantastic and we’re thrilled to see the positive impact it’s had on so many people by enabling people to be cared for in their own homes. It is so rewarding to see the relief stairlifts provide and we’re looking forward to changing more lives together.” Emily’s story Emily Binks, 72, who was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer had an Acorn Stairlift installed when getting up and down stairs started to become a near impossible task. Mrs Binks explains:“Before the stairlift was fitted, I had to face unendurable pain to climb the stairs on all fours and then take one step at a time to get down. “My worried husband would have the exhausting task of helping me up the stairs before he left the house – meaning we always had to plan and think ahead. It was so restricting and took away much of our freedom.” Acorn Stairlifts offered Emily a stairlift as soon as they heard of her story. Emily added: whose standard of living improved drastically by the installation, said: “My standard of living has improved immensely since the installation and I have no fear going up the stairs now. It’s completely changed our lives; any worries of falling have been lifted and I have no restrictions on when I can go upstairs.” To find out more about Acorn Stairlifts and its partnership with Marie Curie, visit www.acornstairlifts.co.uk/mariecurie or call 0800 016 9075
Tapping into the Therapeutic Benefits of Horse Riding
Tapping into the Therapeutic Benefits of Riding with Accessibility Mark Barnfields Riding Stables based in Chingford, London is looking forward to welcoming more disabled riders to take to the saddle, thanks to Accessibility Mark. Located near the popular horse riding locations of High Beach and Epping Forest, Barnfields Stables offer lessons to riders of all abilities but specialise in novice and nervous riders. Owner Natasha Burke decided to apply for accreditation after finding details of the joint scheme between the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) and the British Equestrian Federation online. Accessibility Mark aims to provide riding schools with the knowledge to confidently deliver sessions to disabled riders. The team at Barnfields was inspired to seek out more training to expand their services to disabled riders having seen for themselves the benefits that horse riding and spending time with horses can have, especially on riders with learning disabilities. Said Natasha: “We have seen first-hand the effect that horses can have on the well-being of people and we are teaching people for whom riding is beneficial both mentally and physically. All staff members have undergone the compulsory training with an Accessibility Support Officer (ASO), thoroughly enjoying the experience with enthusiasm to take on-board new techniques that they have being putting into practice. “We feel we are at a point where we have more to offer, we have perfect horses for disabled riders, and the staff are trained and ready to go! It will be rewarding for our staff and our yard.” added Natasha. Accessibility Mark status is awarded to a riding centre that has been approved by the RDA following training and assessment. The close link with the RDA means that it can offer continuous support to the establishment to ensure it provides a first-class experience that aims to be hugely beneficial to riders of varying levels of disability. There are currently 52 Accessibility Mark-approved centres across the country. To find your nearest RDA Group or Accessibility Mark centre visit www.rda.org.uk