DONATIONS left to a charity in people’s wills have funded new specially-adapted cycles for a disability group in Bradford.

The Outdoor Pursuits Group, run by learning disability charity HFT, now has ten tricycles for members to enjoy.

The equipment was provided thanks to a £5,000 grant from the charity’s Funds for the Future legacy scheme.

The Outdoor Pursuits Group had begun taking cycling lessons at Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure in 2014.

A small group aged between 20 and 70, some of whom had never cycled before, then began attending weekly sessions at the Cycling Hub in Lister Park, Manningham.

Day centre officer Andrew Wiseman said: “We’d expected it to work but we didn’t expect it to work quite so well.

“It was just unbelievable how quickly they took to the cycles – within two minutes they were away.”

As a result, the group then decided to apply for funding to buy their own fleet of tricycles.

Mr Wiseman said: “Everyone was really enthusiastic. Groups of people we support came with us to cycle shops and did test rides.

“They helped us decide on which bikes to buy, and even voted on the colours – black and red were the most popular.”

The tricycles have been chosen so that each meets a specific need.

Some have fixed gears and can’t free-wheel, which means speed is regulated and riders have greater control. Others allow the rider to cycle backwards as well as forward.

Mr Wiseman said the sessions were having a noticeable impact on the group and some group members’ families had been inspired to buy their relative a cycle to use at home as well.

He said: “We’ve seen a big increase in confidence, and a couple have even been spurred on to do more exercise.”

Plans are now in the pipeline to develop the project further.

The group has established a partnership with community project Bradford Trident, which runs a cycle maintenance scheme, and wants to start taking groups further afield to nearby cycleways.

There is also the possibility of raising funds to buy a power-assisted rickshaw, which would allow two people to travel together.

The project was selected for Funds for the Future cash by an HFT committee which meets twice a year to discuss applications and choose six projects they find particularly interesting.

The proposals must also be in keeping with the charity’s aims, which stress the importance of boosting communication, choice and personal growth as part of someone’s care.

Katie Tennyson, HFT’s legacy manager, said: “The decision to leave a legacy to a charity is a very special and meaningful one, so we wanted to make sure these gifts were used in the best possible way.

“Funds for the Future grants allow services to explore exciting new projects, while also involving staff in decisions and enabling the donor’s family to see exactly how their gift has helped to make a difference.

“The committee are delighted with the outcome of the Cycle Project.

“It’s a shining example of how the gifts we receive in wills can help someone with a learning disability to live a much more rewarding and enjoyable life.

“Without the generosity of our supporters, schemes like this might never get off the ground, but we’re confident that we’ll see lots more innovative projects being launched in the future.”