A FITNESS coach will be embarking on a coast-to-coast fund-raising bike ride later this month to help provide free fitness sessions for care home residents.

David Wilkinson, from Royston, works for Grassroots Sports Academy Yorkshire at Carlton and over the last two years they have been working with care homes to keep residents active using fun, games and activities.

“We have done a lot of work with Dearnlea care home after our company owner Chris Newton’s dad became a resident there and Chris still pays for those sessions out of his own pocket.

“The sessions went down so well and we really enjoy going along and have really bonded with the elderly people there.

“We have had so much success with our work and it has had a massive impact on residents' overall wellbeing that we have already worked with that it's something we as a company are very passionate about."

Recently, the company has been offering free six-week sessions to all care homes and would love to hear from any facilities who would like to get involved.

As well as looking for funding and sponsorship, David has already done various fundraisers to raise money for these including a 74-mile bike ride and a sponsored walk with members of his Bear’s Den fitness classes.

“My next challenge is a 170-mile bike ride over two days and all proceeds go to Grassroots Sports community CIC which is the charity side to our company and will enable us to continue our work for free.”

David is planning to cycle from Morecambe to Bridlington at the end of the month and has set a target of £500. To donate, follow the link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/freeactivitiesforlocalcarehomes2?utm_term=zNRMeVQPB