Hundreds of cyclists of different ages and abilities took part in the annual charity bike ride in aid of a national wheelchair charity.
With the support of Bucks Radio, 700 cyclists came together for the inclusive Tour de Vale ride to raise much needed cash for WheelPower, a wheelchair sport charity since 2004.
The three different route options took cyclists through Bucks and Oxfordshire countryside, before finishing at Bucks New University on June 11 – where the riders were greeted with a massage from the students, and medals presented by Paralympics GB rower Benjamin Pritchard.
He said: “Thank you to all for getting on your bikes at the Tour de Vale this year and raising lots of money for charity.
“I am myself testament to the work of WheelPower and the opportunities they provide. The money raised today will give more people the opportunity to know that life hasn’t stopped after an accident and it has just started. It genuinely makes such a difference.”
READ MORE: La Bodega Del Vino in Flackwell Heath closes down due to lack of staff
After an accident in 2016, Mr Pritchard was transferred to the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville to continue his rehabilitation.
With the help of WheelPower, he rediscovered the love of sport and improved his fitness.
Martin McElhatton, WheelPower Chief Executive, said: “Thank you to Bucks Radio for supporting the Tour de Vale in 2022. It was so great to see everyone back at Stoke Mandeville taking part in our charity bike ride and pedalling in the sunshine for WheelPower.
"To have such an inclusive event with disabled and non-disabled cyclists all enjoying riding around Buckinghamshire together, raising money for WheelPower is fantastic and we are so grateful for their generosity and support."
The money raised from the event will allow WheelPower to put on events for adults and children "that will help us to transform many more lives through sport and activity," he said.
READ MORE: New HS2 tunnel criticised by Chiltern Society
He added: "Finally, I would like to thank the local community, our sponsors, and all of our fantastic volunteers who make the Tour de Vale so special. We are so proud of this event and it is always such a joy to see how much love there is for WheelPower.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here