A WOODLEY resident and his brother, both dressed in dashing panto costumes, took part in in a10k cycling challenge at festival of inclusivity Parallel Windsor.
The event offers challenge events for all ages, health conditions and abilities, and is held within the grounds of Windsor Great Park, and the Long Walk.
At the festival Duncan, who has Down Syndrome, was riding an Ice recumbent trike, and wore a Prince Charming outfit.
His sibling, Drew, accompanied him on a traditional bike, dressed as Dandini, Prince Charming’s loyal valet.
The pair were cycling to raise money for an adapted trike that will help Duncan to exercise regularly.
It’s important to Duncan that he keeps fit, and he has found that an Ice trike is a great way to exercise.
At the moment he can access a trike once a week, but would like to be able to cycle more often.
The brothers hope to raise the £3,000 Duncan needs to buy a reconditioned trike of his own.
Dunan needs to look after his heart, having undergone open heart surgery twice, and has a cardiac pace maker since his heart stopped three years ago.
“I want to be independent, and exercise to keep healthy and fit,” he said.
“I sometimes still collapse when my heart goes too slow, so I want to make my heart healthier.
“I have trouble with balance and managing on ordinary trikes.
“I have tried lots out since I was small, and at Wheels for All Inclusive Cycling.
“Now I have found a fantastic trike I feel safe in, I can ride fast, and it feels like I am driving.
“I feel confident, and it makes me smile.
“I have to share the one at Wheels for All, and I can only ride it once a week for a short time.
“I really need one of my own so I can get fitter.”
Duncan needs to buy an Ice recumbent trike that will fold up and go in the back of a car, so that he can get it to somewhere safe to cycle.
While the model he needs costs £7000 new, a reconditioned one has been set up for him by Tom, a physiotherapist who runs Freetrike.
Duncan has raised just over £800 of the £3000 he needs, to be able to buy it.
After the challenge, Kate Stonehouse, who is organising Duncan’s fundraising campaign, shared: “Prince Charming and Dandini (Duncan and Drew) did incredibly well, completing their 10km cycle around a hilly course in Windsor Great Park.
“A small tumble and a minor flesh wound later, the boys have worked so hard to complete their course to raise money for Duncan to get his own recumbent trike.”
Anyone wishing to support Duncan’s fundraising campaign can visit: gofundme.com (search for: Help me help my heart)
For information, visit: parallellifestyle.com/windsor2027 and freetrike.co.uk
