Hi, I’m Caroline and I am a T11 paraplegic. In 2023, after 20+ years living as a wheelchair user, my pal Neil from the Adaptive Riders Collective introduced me to handbiking by inviting me to take part in a short film about a group of disabled people embarking on an off-road journey to a remote Scottish bothy A year later, I qualified as the first disabled female Adaptive Mountain Bike Leader in the UK.

I cannot begin to express to you the joy and sense of freedom that this sport brings me. To be out in the hills again is simply a dream and I particularly love getting to share these moments with my wee boy, friends and family. More than anything though, I want to be able to use my new-found knowledge, skills and experience to encourage more disabled people - and in particular disabled women – to get involved in the adventure, and to come to feel that the great outdoors is a place where they belong and where they can be free.

Unfortunately, despite these ambitions and qualifications, I still do not have my own off-road handbike as the cost of this equipment is more than I can afford. I have worked hard - and been lucky enough - to raise £5k towards this kit with the help of the Tweed Valley community, the Scottish Cycling Foundation and RideableNow. However, I need a further £7,500 to be able to buy the bike that I require.

I realise that times are tight for many right now so if you cannot contribute, perhaps you could share this campaign? For those who can afford to give, I really would appreciate anything you can do to help me reach this target.

Thank you!