Disability Action Yorkshire welcomes motorcycling Freemasons
Pictured in with Jackie Snape, kneeling in purple, and Andrew Simister, far right standing, are members of the Widows Sons Ridings Chapter and Disability Action Yorkshire customers Eliza Bennet and Kirsty Allanach
Motorcycling Freemasons have visited a Harrogate residential care home for disabled people, where they met residents and staff and handed over a cheque for £300.
The Widows Sons, who have two things in common - Freemasonry and motorcycles - were invited to Disability Action Yorkshire’s Claro Road facility by its Chief Executive, Jackie Snape.
Amongst the riders was Andrew Simister, charity trustee, Chamber member and President of the Widows Sons Ridings Chapter, who suffered life-changing injuries following a roadside accident almost a year ago.
Despite losing his right leg in the horrific incident, he has now swapped two wheels for three in the form of a Harley Davidson trike.
The 19 riders, who came from across north, south and West Yorkshire for the first ‘ride out’ of the year, initially met up at Squires Café, near Selby, before riding in convoy to Harrogate.
After handing over the cheque, the 19 Widows Sons were invited in for refreshments and a chat with staff and residents, as well as posing for photographs with some of the young disabled people.
Andrew Simister said: “The Widows Sons raise money for charity by a number of different means, and we have donated our latest proceeds to Disability Action Yorkshire to help it in his daily running costs, primarily supporting young disabled people to live as independent as possible.
"Since my accident, my eyes have been opened to the inequalities and challenges faced by disabled people every day.
“I'm keen to lend my lived experience as an non-disabled man to make lives of disabled people better, hence becoming a Disability Action Yorkshire trustee.
“It was a great pleasure bringing a number of Widows Sons to Claro Road, and everyone really enjoyed meeting and talking with residents and staff.”
Jackie Snape, Disability Action Yorkshire Chief Executive, said: "The visit of the Widows Sons was the highlight of our residents’ weekend, with a number coming out to greet them on their arrival, keen to see the collection of motorbikes.
“I’d like to thank them for their generosity, and this donation, like any, is gratefully received. I’d also like to thank Andrew in particular for binging so many members with him.”
Further information about Disability Action Yorkshire, is available here.
