High Peak shoppers have helped a Buxton-based charity net £1,500 to help it boost the comfort and safety of disabled riders of all ages. 

Volunteers, riders and supporters of Helen Atkin Group Buxton Riding for the Disabled (RDA) are extending a huge thank you to everyone in the area who recently backed their bid to secure the cash from the Tesco Community Grant scheme. 

The award will enable Helen Atkin Group Buxton RDA – based at Buxton Riding School, Fern Road - to replace and extend its range of specially-adapted tack to make regular riding sessions even more enjoyable and accessible for riders ranging from pre-school to retirement age. 

Shoppers in Tesco’s Buxton and Whaley Bridge stores were asked to pledge tokens towards one of three local charities each time they shopped between mid-October and mid-January – and Helen Atkin Group Buxton RDA scooped the lion’s share of the votes to secure the largest grant. 

Group Chairperson Janine Frost said: “We are extremely grateful to both Tesco and local shoppers for their generous support in our efforts to upgrade and increase our range of equipment to make riding even more rewarding and effective for everyone involved. 

“Their much-valued contribution will make a real difference to our riders' lives by further boosting their physical and mental health and will help our dedicated instructors and volunteers deliver the best possible experience for them, their carers, and parents. 

“The news couldn’t come at a better time, as we are just about to welcome volunteers old and new at a coffee morning on Thursday March 2 to celebrate the launch of our regular riding sessions in 2023. Anyone interested in joining our friendly and approachable team would be most welcome to join us for coffee and cake at Buxton Riding School between 10am and noon to discover how they could make a positive contribution to our valuable work.” 

Claire de Silva, Tesco’s Head of Community, said: “Tesco Community Grants help support local good causes like Helen Atkin Group Buxton RDA - especially those projects supporting young people, those providing food, and local causes close to our colleagues’ hearts.” 

Tesco Community Grants is run in partnership with community charity Groundwork, who has awarded grants to thousands of local community projects every year. 

Tesco’s Community Grants scheme – previously Tesco Bags of Help - has already provided over £100 million to more than 50,000 projects across Britain. 

Groundwork’s National Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury, said: “Tesco Community Grants continues to give local projects the boost they need to help their communities thrive. We are pleased to have been able to help so many local good causes over the years and look forward to seeing what community organisations can achieve in the future with the right resources.” 

Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities. To find out more visit www.tesco.com/communitygrants. 

Fundraising is an ongoing priority for Helen Atkin Group Buxton RDA, and the next money-spinning event In its calendar is ‘From Ballads to Boogie’, a musical evening with refreshments and raffle, at Buxton’s Pump Room, opposite The Crescent, on Wednesday 22 March at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from http://rdaboogie.eventbrite.co.uk or Bells Shoe Shop, Spring Gardens, Buxton.

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