THE local transport charity Compaid has been chosen by Tonbridge Lions as its headline beneficiary for money raised by the Tonbridge Half Marathon last October.
The Paddock Wood organisation helps vulnerable people to ‘get more out of life and so fitted perfectly with the charitable aims of Tonbridge Lions’.
Staff and around 40 volunteers take clients to hospitals and doctor’s surgeries as well as shopping and leisure activities such as theatre visits.
For many disabled and older people in rural areas, a lack of transport services leads to exclusion from local amenities and community life.
Many villages have seen a significant withdrawal in public bus services, so Compaid’s adapted vehicles are becoming increasingly vital. During 2016-17, they made 35,000 journeys covering almost 350,000 miles.
The Lions president, Gordon Hill, visited Compaid’s training centre in Paddock Wood and presented a cheque for £1,610.
The funds will go towards the costs associated with helping those with physical disabilities and sensory impairments, others with learning disabilities, autism and acquired brain injuries.
