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17 January 2020

Funding for a motorbike helps Aiden ride back to work

Modbury carer Aiden Grey has been given a new lease of life after receiving a LiveWest grant to help fund his motorbike.
Aiden Grey

Just over two years ago, Aiden was forced to quit his job when he started getting chest pains before being diagnosed with cancer.

After being given the all clear, Aiden has been able to return to his role at a local care home thanks to a cash boost.

The grant has allowed Aiden to buy full bike gear, complete the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) Motorbike test and also pay for insurance.

It has helped Aiden to make the four mile journey to work everyday without relying on his mother for a lift.  He is relishing his newly-found independence.

Aiden said: “After a 12-hour shift if I didn’t have a lift, I would walk back home, which is a four-mile journey.

“I have had health issues for a couple of years and getting the bike was the last piece of the puzzle for me, it has enabled me to get my life back.

“The £490 of funding has allowed me to have freedom to go do what I want and travel in any weather too. I’m no longer confined to getting lifts or walking.

“I was saving up and had some money for the bike, but I needed just needed a little bit more to be able to afford all the other things I needed with it. The grant was quite small, but it has made a huge difference.

“I am incredibly grateful to LiveWest, you don’t understand how big of transformation this has made to be, essentially, I have been able to get my life back.  

“I never would have imagined anyone doing something like that for me. 

“I think more people should apply for a LiveWest grant. It has changed my life and I’m sure for others it would make a big difference.”

LiveWest’s grants team worked closely with Aiden to help him apply for a grant to allow him to buy his own form of transport to travel to and from work independently. 

Tim Wotton, our Grants and Social Value Manager at LiveWest, said: “As part of our social value programme, we work closely to support individuals and families to get them back into employment and help maintain a job that they enjoy. 

“Helping someone to buy a motorbike can be a life changing experience for a young person, allowing them to access work from home rather than depending on family or how far they can walk.”

“What stood out about Aiden’s grant application was that he had a clear plan about going back to work and what he wanted to do. This bike has been crucial for him in terms of gaining his independence.’’ 

Find out more about how one of our grants might be able to help you here.