<div>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 <a href="https://adaptiveriderscollective.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adaptive Riders Collective</a> 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 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV9qL90cITg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">journey to a remote Scottish bothy</a> A year later, I qualified as the first disabled female Adaptive Mountain Bike Leader in the UK.
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<div>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.
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<div>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 <a href="https://scottishcyclingfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scottish Cycling Foundation</a> and <a href="https://www.rideablenow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RideableNow</a>. However, I need a further £7,500 to be able to buy the bike that I require.
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<div>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.
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<div>Thank you!
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Anonymous

Johnny Kieran

Eilidh Robertson

John Wardell

Hannah Berry

Jan Sword

Fletcher Jefferies

Jennifer Gadoua

Connor MacDonald

Frida De Sigley

Elspeth Wray

Tony Morris

Lewis Saunders

Rowan Martin

Roseline Quin

Lee Boyce

Michael Darke

Mr Lewis M Mackenzie

Help Caroline achieve her off-road dreams

Help Caroline achieve her off-road dreams

Still £3,569 to go. Help us build momentum.