FUNDRAISING MOTORBIKE RIDE FOR BRIDGWATER RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA
A professional motorcycle trainer whose father is living with dementia has organised a mass motorcycle ride around Bridgwater to raise funds for the sensory garden at the home where his dad now lives.
Kevin Billing, who runs Sedgemoor Motorcycle Training, has organised the bike meet “to give pleasure to all the residents of Avalon Nursing Home and raise money for their sensory garden.”
The meet will take place on Sunday 15 December, departing at noon from Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Club on Bath Road, with approximately 60 participants already signed up including family, friends and past students, and is expected to finish at approximately 1.30pm at Avalon Nursing Home on Taunton Road.
Kevin said: “All bikers are welcome to turn up on the day, but it would be good to have a rough idea of numbers ahead of time, so we know how much we need by way of food and refreshments.
“We’re keen to welcome however many people wish to come, and the ride is open to all.
“I’ve never organised anything like this before, but I’m really keen to support the creation of a sensory garden at Avalon because I know my dad and the other residents will all love it.
“We need to raise funds to cover the costs of landscaping, plants, seating and sensory features like water installations and wind chimes.
“All donations will go directly towards making the garden a safe and welcoming sanctuary for Avalon’s residents, which will also serve as a comforting space where families and caregivers can connect with their loved ones.
“I think the sensory garden is a great idea and I hope the ride raises a lot of money to help make the vision a reality.
“My 93-year-old Dad, David, has been poorly since January this year and now has vascular dementia.
“I visit him every day at the home and I appreciate how hard staff work to offer individual support to every person living there.
“The guys and girls at Avalon do such an amazing job caring for their residents.”
Details of the ride are on Facebook Ride For Dementia or contact Kevin at Sedgemoor Motorcycle Training email: kevin@sedgemoormotorcycletraining.co.uk
Donations can be made direct to the GoFundMe page, or contributed to collections on the day.
Photo: L-R Kevin and David Billing
