Worcester Lions Turn Up Trumps With The Tramper

When members of Worcester Lions Club heard the story about Richard Wood’s plea for help they were immediately moved to assist him.

In October 2008 Atlantic rower Richard made a plea to the local news paper, the Worcester Standard for help on the next stage of his journey of recovery from a stroke. In his lifetime the intrepid Worcester oarsman had helped to raise around £4.6 million for different causes including his solo row of the Atlantic in 2004 in aid of St Richard’s Hospice.

But since suffering a stroke in 2006 Richard has faced a long and frustrating battle to regain his mobility. Richard Wood needed £7,500 to buy a Tramper – a special all-terrain electric buggy – which would help to free him from the shackles of his condition. Richard is only able to walk short distances with the aid of a stick, and this only since undergoing neurological physio and occupational therapy.

Worcester Lions immediately called on Richard to see what they could do to help. They then embarked on a widespread fundraising campaign, calling on other Lions Clubs, the local Rotary Club, past associates of Richards’, fellow rowers and Worcester Warriors Rugby Club. An appeal was even set up on Facebook by one of Richard’s friends.

By Christmas Worcester Lions had raised more than the £7,500 and were able to place the order for the Tramper and arrange for his garage door to be electronically operated.

Lion June Lloyd-Adams, who led the appeal, said that she was astounded at how quickly support for Richard’s campaign had gathered pace. “It just shows how organisations working together can achieve great things in a very short space of time”, she said.

Richard Wood received his Tramper in January and is now able to enjoy greater freedom.