CHARITY which offers a lifeline to disabled people has launched a fundraising appeal to upkeep and replace its vehicles.

Shopmobility Basingstoke needs to maintain and update its mobility vehicles, and has launched a ‘Friends of’ group to generate the funds to do this.

The fleet of vehicles is made up of 40 scooters, of which, on average, three need replacing each year.

The ‘Friends of’ group was the idea of Barry Horne, a past trustee and treasurer of Shopmobility, and member of the fundraising group.

Barry worked tirelessly over 15 years on fundraising activities and was keen to set up a scheme that could run continuously to support the vehicle fund.

Those wishing to support the initiative can choose to pay a one-year subscription of £10, £50 for five years or £100 for 10 years.

In return, they will receive regular updates on the charity’s work, priority notifications of events and a pin badge or keyring.

Although the group is aimed at individuals, companies are also welcome to join.

Shopmobility has been |running in Basingstoke, in Church Street, for 16 years, with the sole aim of assisting people with reduced mobility to keep independent and active by providing mobility scooters along with powered and manual wheelchairs.

Users range in age from four to 104.

For more information, contact Shopmobility on 01256 350142 or email shopmobilitybasingstoke.org.