The investment of £11,250 from Sport England and £900 from Leonard Curtis has enabled Leeds Children’s Charity to replace its ageing bike fleet with 27 new bikes in a range of sizes, ensuring more children can take part safely and confidently in one of Lineham Farm’s most popular activities.
For many of the children we support, riding a bike is something they have never had the opportunity to experience.
During a recent residential visit from one of our Partner Schools, nine children learnt to ride a bike for the very first time.
For the school’s group of 25 children, the residential was filled with firsts. For many of the children, this was their first overnight stay away from home. We understand that, for some families, residential visits can feel like a big step. That’s why we work closely with schools to ensure children feel safe, welcomed and supported throughout their stay, with facilities that respect the needs of different groups and communities. One child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), who staff weren’t sure would attend at all, spent the entire day at Lineham Farm, feeling safe, supported and included.
Learning to ride a bike wasn’t simply about mastering a new skill. It was about believing in themselves, overcoming fears and discovering what they were capable of.
Every child deserves opportunities like these.
Thanks to this investment, many more children visiting Lineham Farm will now have the chance to build confidence, develop resilience and create memories that will stay with them long after they return home.
Creating opportunities beyond Lineham Farm
The impact doesn’t stop when our residential visits end.
Our previous bike fleet is now being donated to another of our Partner Schools, where many children currently don’t have access to bikes or opportunities to learn to ride. The bikes will be used during school time, helping even more young people experience the freedom, confidence and independence that cycling can bring.
This project has been made possible thanks to funding from Sport England, using money raised by The National Lottery, and the generous support of Leonard Curtis.
Together, they’re helping children across Leeds build confidence, experience adventure and enjoy childhood as it should be.