Willington charity to thank volunteers

The Bedford and District Handicapped Riders Association (BDHRA) will invite volunteers who have devoted their time to the organisation to its base in Willington tomorrow (Saturday, May 14).

Around 100 young riders with disabilities visit the The Riding Centre in Balls Lane every week and the centre is keen to thank the volunteers who keep the facility running.

The charity was formed after a woman in Willington who was told she would never walk again learned to walk once more through riding.

Miriam Godber was convinced that the depleted muscles in Jean Bedford’s leg that had been damaged in an accident would grow stronger through riding.

The two would often be seen travelling around the village, with Jean riding a pony and Miriam accompanying her on a bicycle, until Jean was strong enough to discard her wheelchair and callipers and walk freely.

BDHRA was established soon after. Miriam was determined to help as many young disabled children as possible and by the time of her death in 1996 more than 100 riders were visiting each week.