A HELPING hand from the past may just have secured the short-term future of a local charity which offers vital support to disabled people.
Back in June the Advertiser reported that members of the Gareloch Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), based at Colgrain Equestrian Centre, were unsure whether the organisation would have enough money to survive through the next winter.
The group has been running since 1976 and provides equine-based sport and therapy to people with disabilities, but serious doubts were cast over its long-term sustainability after the complete suspension of activities during lockdown.
However, a recent donation of £500 from the children of one of the founding members of the group, Margaret Hardey, has ensured a brighter outlook for all involved.
READ MORE: Disabled riding group in struggle to survive lockdown crisis
Margaret played a key role in the group’s early days, when it was based at Stuckenduff in Shandon.
Louise Worrall, from the Gareloch RDA, said: “It is a wonderful thing when the community rallies to protect local groups.
“Although not yet out of the woods, with seven horses to keep happy, healthy and fit to return to work as soon as feasible, the generosity of local people has helped to move the group towards that day we can once again open our doors.
“It is doubly wonderful when a local donation gives cause to dig into the history of the group.”
The Riding for the Disabled Association in the UK was set up in 1969 to help improve the lives of people with disabilities.
There are now 500 groups throughout the UK supporting thousands of riders through a broad range of equine activities.
The Gareloch group, which caters for riders spread over a wide geographical area, from Helensburgh to Clydebank and sometimes even further afield, now includes 66 riders and carriage drivers, with the help of seven specially-trained horses.
But the lockdown forced a major rethink of the group’s operations, with all of its activities suspended in March and five of its seven horses moved elsewhere to save money.
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Louise added: “As a local charity, we are dependent on the help and support from both past and present helpers, which is why it has been wonderful, in these difficult times, to receive a donation from the family of one of the founding members.
“Throughout the pandemic, our present day volunteers have continued to give their time to ensure the Gareloch herd are well cared for.
“To continue to provide our valuable service to the local disabled community, we run on lesson income, which we cannot currently achieve, and the grants, donations and fund-raising efforts of our supporters, such as Margaret’s children.”
The photo with this story features founding members of the early Gareloch group at Stuckenduff and Louise said the current group would love to hear from anyone who recognises any of the people in the picture.
To get in touch, contact Louise Worrall on louisecworrall@gmail.com or call 07716 543734.
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