Surrey Heath Borough Councils local ‘Dial-A- Ride’ scheme, that enables elderly and disabled local residents to get out and about, received a brand new vehicle thanks to the generosity of local businessman Andrew Reynolds.
Mr Reynolds donated the new community bus and funded the modifications to the vehicle which now boasts seven purpose built seats, hydraulic ramp and facilities for two wheelchairs.
The purchase of the Dial-A-Ride bus was prompted by a plea from one of Mr Reynolds employees, Simon Venn, whose father Paul has Motor Neurones disease and regularly uses the Dial a Ride service. It allows him to enjoy a far better quality of life, by giving him a level of freedom that he otherwise would not have.
The vehicle was presented to Surrey Heath Borough Council at a special ceremony with the Mayor of Rushmoor and representatives from the Dial-A-Ride scheme.
Cllr. Vivienne Chapman, Portfolio Holder for Customer Care said, “We are pleased to welcome Mr Reynolds into the fold of sponsors. His generous contribution has given a lot to the community. The service undertook 35,000 journeys last year and the users will continue to benefit from this facility which relies on sponsorship and the Borough Council fund.”
Mr Reynolds said, “Having made a conscious decision at the start of this year to make some positive contributions to charities, I have developed a far greater understanding of the needs of the community in which I live and work. It has given me great pleasure to purchase a vehicle for the Dial a Ride scheme because I have learnt via Simon and his father what a huge difference this service can make to peoples everyday lives. Dial a Ride offers its users a vital lifeline that in turn encourages them to leave their homes and enjoy trips to the shops, days out or visits to the local Centre where there is a range of social activities available during the week “.