Katie trikes to success - and raises over £2,000 for local charity

Exeter resident Katie Dicker took to her specially adapted trike at the weekend (Saturday 18 August) and has raised nearly £2,100 so far for Dream-A-Way – a charity that provides holiday grants and trips for people with physical and learning disabilities.

Katie, a Guinness Care customer who has severe physical disabilities and is visually impaired, completed the massive challenge of cycling over 2 miles around Exeter’s Roman city wall. Her carer Aubone Braddon, who has worked with Katie for over 25 years, acted as her ‘sighted guide’ supporting her on foot.

Aubone said: “I know that raising money for this charity is something that Katie feels passionately about. She wanted to give something back after receiving so much support from Dream-A-Way. She has trained for a long time to complete the challenge, and when she wanted me to be her guide, I jumped at the chance. It was an honour! We make a great team.”

Katie leads a very active social life and many of her friends have supported Katie by sponsoring and walking alongside her for the challenge. These included friends from the classic car club where she is a member, local shop keepers and the local taxi firm which used to take Katie to school. The taxi firm even brought the Z Cars mascot along for support – ‘Guinness’ the dog!

Jeff Merrett MBE, Chair of Dream-A-Way, said: “I have known Katie for many years and she is always a pleasure to take on our trips. Dream-A-Way are really proud and honoured that she has chosen to raise much needed funds for us in this unique way. Huge thanks to Katie, Aubone and all who have supported Katie and her challenge - Go Team Katie!”

Tina Kingdom, who has worked with Katie for over 30 years, and is also a trustee for Dream-A-Way, said: “We are thrilled that Katie wanted to raise money for Dream-A-Way. We know that she has enjoyed lots of holidays and trips with us – she loves holidays to Sandy Bay, staying in one of our adapted mobile homes, and I know that she also loves trips to the pantomime. A huge congratulations to you Katie on completing this massive challenge.”

Katie’s friends and neighbours at Budlake, the Guinness supported living home where she lives, were also there to cheer on Katie and Aubone.