Skipton & Craven Action for Disability (SCAD) are a very local and well known charity in Skipton & Craven. Started in 1981, they have continuously provided transport in and around Skipton for people whose mobility is reduced and whose lives are made just a little bit better by using our minibuses.
Each minibus is adapted to carry wheelchairs - crucial where people have to travel in a wheelchair and cannot transfer to a seat. We transport people to medical and social appointments or to and from respite and places such as Manorlands.
In a rural area such as Craven, where the public transport is minimal, it's hard to get about even if you have no mobility problems. If you add in reduced mobility as well, social isolation becomes an acute issue. No wonder our day trips are oversubscribed.
We also have a widebeam canal boat on the Leeds Liverpool Canal, which can carry up to four wheelchairs and is adapted throughout. It gives people who would not otherwise be able to access the canal a day of sightseeing along the waterway, enjoying a gentle day of company and fun. We've hosted 85th and 90th birthday parties on board - and the whole operation is run by five teams of trained volunteers.
So: what am I doing? I've suffered from back problems for over 30 years and have some idea of what it can be like when you can't move because of pain. Thankfully, exercise and trying very hard (and often failing, if I'm honest) to keep weight down can keep my problems under control. So last December, I decided to actually try running for a change. It's more of a gentle jog, but I thought it was time to try something a bit challenging and raise some needed funds for SCAD.
I'm trying to persuade others to join in Team SCAD at this year's Skipton Santa Fun Run (2000 running Santas around Skipton - what a sight!) and run, jog or walk to raise funds for people who would dearly like to be able to be physically able to do it themselves, but can't.
It'll be fun. Honest...........
