In 2016, David Gray became seriously ill and lost much of his mobility. Two years later, during a visit to RSPB Arne, he tried a Countryside Mobility Tramper for the first time. The all-terrain scooter meant he could follow forest tracks, take in the scenery and watch wildlife far beyond the distances his own scooter could manage. David soon joined Countryside Mobility and began exploring many more beautiful sites across the South West.

For his 60th birthday in 2023, David decided to celebrate in a different way – by fundraising.

“In the words of Blur… Trampers give me an enormous sense of wellbeing. They enable me to do something I enjoy. When it came to my birthday I knew I didn’t need gifts. I’m associated with many charities and wanted to do something close to my heart. My family and friends know how much I enjoy the countryside, so I suggested that instead of gifts they might donate to Living Options. It could provide more Trampers or help with the cost of running the existing fleet. My dream is to see more Trampers available for people like me who are Disabled but who love the countryside.”

By the time of his party, David had already beaten his £500 target. After sharing the appeal with one of his online groups, support kept growing and the total reached £1,005 thanks to generous family, friends and online donors.

Together with David, we agreed that his birthday fundraiser would fund a number of free Try a Tramper hires at his favourite site, RSPB Arne, and help with the ongoing costs of running the Countryside Mobility scheme so more people can enjoy the same freedom he found.

We are hugely grateful to David and everyone who donated. As a charity, we rely on donations and grants to keep schemes like Countryside Mobility running for people across the South West.

Planning a birthday fundraiser of your own? Get in touch with our fundraising team – we’ll talk through your ideas and help set up online donation links.