The Wheels for Wellbeing cycling charity in south London has won the national Guardian Charity Awards 2013.
The charity, based in Brixton, was recognised for its efforts in supporting disabled and older people to cycle.
The announcement was made at an awards ceremony at the Guardian offices in Kings Cross, London on December 3.
Isabelle Clement, director of Wheels for Wellbeing, said: “We had been really thrilled to be shortlisted because over 1,300 put themselves forward and we weren’t expecting to win; so yes it was a huge surprise and we were absolutely delighted to have a nationally recognised award because we are a local charity.
“We were able to see for the first time the little film they did about us.
“As part of the prize, as well as the £5,000 which is really exciting, we’re also getting support from the Media Trust.”
It was one of five winners of the awards which strive to emphasise the excellence among small and medium sized charities. This is not the first time the charity has been shortlisted to receive funding.
Shani Ennis has been coming to the charity’s Monday drop-in session at Herne Hill Velodrome. She said: “I used to cycle everywhere before losing my sight and I missed it with a passion. I have been using side-by-side cycles and now I am cycling on tandems. It’s an incredible feeling to ride around the track and it gives me back a sense of freedom.”
The Guardian Charity Awards 2013 were supported by the Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI) which assists to develop the capacity of small charities, and the Media Trust.
Wheels for Wellbeing supports people to enjoy the benefits of cycling regardless of any physical, health or psychological barriers they may experience.
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https://brixtonblog.com/intrepid-brixton-cyclists-riding-from-norway-to-spain-for-charity/14134
https://brixtonblog.com/wheels-for-wellbeing-looks-for-help-from-lambeth-community/17042
