Geof takes cycling challenge in his STRIDE as he raises £1,000 for charity
The Chair of Uttlesford District Council has completed his challenge of cycling round the district on an e-bike and has raised more than £1,000 for local disability charity, Accuro.
Cllr Geof Driscoll, who turns 70 later this month, covered more than 70 miles and visited every ward in Uttlesford over five days last week. He made a number of stops along the way, including a visit to meet the Accuro team at their offices in Great Hallingbury, as well as to see the progress made on some of the projects that were awarded funding through the council's Zero Carbon Communities Grant scheme.
"I am delighted to have got over the finish line," said Geof after making it back to the council's Saffron Walden offices on Friday afternoon (8 September).
"I know I am not a cyclist or very fit, but I've had a great time. I've seen things you don't particularly notice when you're driving in a car, such as the abundance of wildlife.
"A big thank you to everyone who supported me and the team that put it all together. I would also like to thank Tekmotiv for kindly loaning me the e-bike to do this challenge."
The money raised by Geof will go to STRIDE, a six-month life skills project run by Accuro for young adults with a learning disability in west Essex. The programme covers essential topics for independent living such as healthy living, relationships, household tasks, keeping safe, employment, digital skills and much more.
Geof picked the charity as one of his good causes to support during his year in office after being invited to last year's STRIDE programme graduation.
Sue Fishpool, Accuro's Fundraising Manager said "We are delighted that Geof has completed his e-bike challenge for Accuro and thrilled that he has raised such significant funds and awareness for the Accuro STRIDE project in Uttlesford.
"Our STRIDE ambassador Holly puts it best when she says that STRIDE allows young adults with disabilities to feel safe and learn new skills in an environment free from discrimination.
"We are hugely grateful to Geof for choosing to support STRIDE and help to provide this important project for local people with a disability. Thank you Geof."
For more information about Accuro STRIDE, visit: www.accuro.org.uk/services/adultservices/stride.
There is still an opportunity to sponsor Geof and to donate to the cause - visit: www.justgiving.com/page/chairs-charity-bike-ride.
12 September 2023