CYCLE Without Age Wessex have been working in conjunction with Hope in the Community to help give elderly freedom and respite through cycle trips on their trishaw around the Bournemouth area.

The Southbourne-based charity received their first trishaw last year and, through fundraising initiatives and partnerships with local businesses and the council, they are expecting a second in time for summer.

Catherine Eden, one of the volunteer cycle pilots, said: “We have another trishaw on order which should be with us by the summer.

“We’ve fundraised enough money to secure another one and it should be with us by the beginning of July which is very exciting.”

Cycle Without Age is a movement that started in Denmark in 2012. Since then, the charity has spread to more than 1,600 locations around the world with 29,000 pilots.

Catherine continues: “At the moment, the bike is out every day. Every seven days, we go to seven different care homes, but its very much dependent on the residents and the weather.

“Personally, I do it because I enjoy spending time with these people and, when you’re talking to them and hearing about their stories, you learn a lot from them.”

“I remember taking a gentleman from one of the care homes to see the air show last year. Although he suffered from severe dementia, when he saw the planes fly over, his face lit up which was just lovely to see.”

The charity are hoping to expand to cover the most of Bournemouth and Poole and want to get more people to join up and become a pilot.

“We’re always looking for new volunteers”, Catherine said.

“It’s a great thing to get involved with because you’re spending time with older people and having fascinating conversations with them and it’s a good way to keep fit.”

Bournemouth Echo: