WHY I
donate
Ian Deaville, owner of Rourke Cycles, uses the shop’s annual cycle event, the
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Cat and Fiddle Challenge, to raise money for disability charity Livability The Cat and Fiddle Challenge was started by Brian Rourke, founder of Rourke Cycles, in order to raise money for a customer’s child who had cystic fibrosis. I bought the shop four years ago and now manage the event too, which is in its 20th year. We’ve chosen to raise money for Livability because we really believe in what they do. Disabled people in the UK are supported with funding which covers basic welfare, like putting a roof over their head, or giving them a wheelchair, but what Livability does is actually enhance people’s lives. They take people out on trips, organise social events and do simple things like provide Alexas for people’s rooms. We work with a sister company to make tricycles for disabled people or those who struggle to balance, and it makes you realise that disabilities affect far more people than you think. We’re still building the Cat and Fiddle Challenge back up after covid but pre-pandemic we had up to 1,500 participants. The event will take place on September 11 this year. It costs £25 to enter and all the money goes
people who love to Livability, as well as the proceeds raising money for from our cool cycle jersey which lets charity. We’ve had you show off your involvement in this one person do it legendary ride (or pretend you did it!). on a BMX bike The route is just over 60 miles and and another on a involves 1,300 metres of climbing vintage butcher’s – more than going up Snowdon! It bike! In 20 years starts and ends at Port Vale Football we’ve raised over Club’s ground in Burslem, and winds £700,000. through the beautiful Peak District. Livability runs There is a famous seven-mile hill climb 37 residential homes, a specialist towards the Cat and Fiddle pub and it school, a brain rehabilitation centre, a also passes through Flash, the highest further education college, a wellbeing village in England. This year we’ve centre and supported living services, added an alternative, gentler route, to providing care, education and encourage older or less able cyclists to rehabilitation to over 1,000 people get involved. It covers 50 miles but living with complex and only 500 metres of ascent, severe disabilities every out to the huge satellite day. We’re so pleased dish at Jodrell Bank. to support a charity We have people that helps disabled travelling from all Livability says it’s never just one people to become around the UK to do thing. It’s the sum of many things more confident, the event because – mobility, freedom, education, motivated and it’s one of the best employment, friendship and more. independent, and places to cycle in the It all adds up to livability. enables them to country and a true livability.org.uk/cat live the life they challenge, but we want to lead. also attract passionate
What makes life liveable?
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