65-year-old cyclist takes on London to Brighton challenge for accessible housing awareness
Salisbury local Bryan Simmans is preparing to take on a gruelling 61-mile off-road cycling challenge to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) while highlighting the importance of accessible housing.
The 65-year-old will take part in the London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride on 19 September, tackling a route from Walton-on-Thames, across the South Downs and finishing by the sea at Hove Lawns.
Bryan’s fundraising effort is being driven by two causes close to his heart: accessible housing and heart health.
Five years ago, Bryan moved into his mother’s home at Wylye Lodge in Wilton to support her when she became unwell. The development, owned by accessible housing specialist Habinteg Housing Association, was designed for disabled and older residents.
Wylye Lodge contains 27 accessible and adaptable flats, including 12 wheelchair-accessible homes.
Accessible and adaptable properties are designed to meet people’s changing needs throughout their lives, with features such as step-free access, wider doorways and entrance-level WC facilities. Wheelchair-accessible homes also provide additional space for manoeuvring alongside accessible kitchens and bathrooms.
Bryan said the design of his mother’s home helped her remain independent for longer.
“For disabled and older people like my mother, having a home that’s designed to allow you to move about more freely, one you can get around and use inside and out – not just live on the ground floor – is so important for a person’s independence, health and wellbeing,” he commented.
“I can honestly say that accessible homes can change lives for the better.”
Bryan is also drawing on his own experience of living with a painful heart condition when he was younger as motivation to support the BHF.
“My heart condition, although not life threatening, was very painful. Even though I haven’t experienced it for years now, it was a very worrying time,” he said.
“I want to raise money for BHF to help it fund lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases.”
Described as Europe’s largest charity mountain bike ride, the London to Brighton event follows a challenging off-road route through the countryside and across the South Downs.
Bryan has been preparing for the challenge since the start of the year by cycling the 10-mile round trip between his home in Wilton and his garden centre workplace each day.
Findings revealed disabled people in East Suffolk in need of accessible social housing aged 54 and under are waiting twice as long as those who are older.
