David’s birthday fundraiser in aid of Countryside Mobility

Wonderful Countryside Mobility member David Gray raises over £1000 in birthday fundraiser

In 2016 David was taken seriously ill, and his illness led to a loss of mobility. It was in 2018, at RSPB Arne, David tried for the first time the Countryside Mobility Trampers. David discovered that he could enjoy the tracks, scenery and wildlife at the nature reserve, and explore much further than his own scooter could ever cover. David went on to join Countryside Mobility, and explore many more beautiful sites and locations.

Fast forward to 2023, David decided to do something very special and raise money to celebrate his 60th birthday! David explains:

“In the words of Blur…Trampers give me an enormous sense of wellbeing! They enable me to do something I enjoy.“

“When it came to my birthday I knew I didn’t need gifts. I am associated with many charities and I knew I wanted to do something close to my heart.

My family and friends know how much I enjoy the countryside. So, I suggested instead of any gifts, if they might like to give a donation to Living Options.

It could provide more Trampers or help with the cost of running the existing fleet. My dream is to see more Trampers available for people like me who are disabled but who love the countryside.”

By his 60th birthday party celebrations David had exceeded his target of £500. He went on to share on one of his social groups and was thrilled to reach £1000 following support from online friends and people who heard about his fundraiser.

David’s closing fundraising amount was an incredible total of £1005. We can’t thank David enough for both his, and his family and friends’ generosity.

Together, with David we arranged that the money raised by David’s birthday fundraiser would be used to provide a number of free ‘Try a Tramper’ hires at his favourite site RSPB Arne, along with maintaining and providing the Countryside Mobility scheme across the South West for people to experience and enjoy.

As a charity we rely on donations and grants to keep schemes like Countryside Mobility operating. When our supporters do incredible fundraisers like this it helps us to continue our work and enable more people to enjoy the same experience as people just like David.

If you would like to organise a birthday fundraiser please get in touch with our fundraising team. We’d be happy to chat through what you have in mind and can help with setting up online donation links.