The ‘wheelsforgood’ community fund was created by Easi-Drive’s managing director Simon Bellamy in 2009, to give something back to the community in which the business operates.

The company donated £60,000 in 2010 to a number of ‘wheel’ based projects, which ranged from buying a new wheelchair wheel for a 2016 Paralympic hopeful to donating £10,000 to the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund (BEN).

Commenting on the launch of the 2011 fund, Bellamy said: “The wheelsforgood fund is unique in that it supports worthy causes related to the motor industry, wheels or transport. There is a deep rooted culture across the business to help individuals and projects within our industry and local community; wheelsforgood gives us a point of focus to company giving.”

Bellamy continued: “It’s been great to see the difference wheelsforgood made to individuals, groups and projects in 2010. We see this as a long term commitment and a key part of our corporate strategy, and are delighted to be pledging £60,000 once again this year.”

Some of the beneficiaries in 2010 included the Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund (BEN); the Brain and Spinal Injury Centre (BASIC); IAM & Stockport Advanced Motorists ‘Skill for Life’ driving course; Fix-It UK, the Wigan-based charity that runs vocational training courses in motor mechanics for disadvantaged 14-19-year-olds; and Olympic wheelchair rugby hopeful, Myles Pearson.

Sue Blaylock, founder of local community group Wythenshawe Wheelers, who offer cycling to people with disabilities, a key beneficiary of the fund, said: “Since partnering with Easi-Drive, Wythenshawe Wheelers has really taken on a new dimension. The donations have so far included some fantastic new specialised equipment including a KMX Kart and Quad bike, which make a huge difference to the enjoyment of all our members, and the much-needed refurbishment of our toilet block, making it clean, smart and accessible for all. We are so grateful to Easi-Drive for its commitment – and are excited about the next project which will provide us with a van to take our services out to those that find it difficult to reach us.”