A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Well... What a great year it has been for everyone at Forever Active, the Quingo team and for our friends in Kent, the Red Wheelies.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them on all they achieved this year and to acknowledge all the effort and hard work that has gone into the years activities.

The Michael Ball Show, Davina and the 'Gotta Dance' show and of course the 150 mile Winchester to Canterbury Pilgrimage along with countless other appearances at various locations, all a huge challenge but as usual overcome with dignity, genuine determination and a certain amount of brute force. And all for a great cause.

Everyone on the Forever Active team are immensely proud to be associated with the Red Wheelies and look forward to continuing that partnership into the New Year.

We would also like to take this opportunity to wish all all our Quingo customers a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for the year to come.

The Stroud Half Marathon- The results are in...

...and they're not pretty.

Former English Rugby union International and County Cricketer Alastair Hignell CBE lead 70 runners dubbed Higgy’s Heroes at the Stroud half marathon on Sunday 24 October.
Alastair put a call out earlier in the year urging local residents to join his half marathon team and take on the challenging 13 mile route in order to help raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre (MSRC) based in Colchester, Essex.

Former BBC Commentator Alastair was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1999 and now spends much of his time raising funds for the MSRC with the assistance of his fundraising comrades Higgy’s Heroes who have been tackling sporting events to raise funds and awareness since 2008.

Alastair said: “Over 70 team mates took part including Mark Nicholls and Paul Benzie both Quingo Team members – the competition was tough and although both gents finished neither looked too good afterwards. Luckily the main aim for the day is to ensure everyone crosses the finishing line and helps to spread the word for a good cause, we're not looking for Olympians.”

Mark Nicholls, Managing Director for Forever Active Ltd, said: “It’s been a task in itself to stick to regular training ahead of the big event but neither Paul nor I are regular runners, so this was a real challenge.”

Mark completed the run in a very respectable 2 hours 19 minutes while Paul has wisely requested that his time not be published.

Organised by the Stroud & District Athletics Club, the Stroud Half Marathon is one of the best sporting events in the South West that continues to support both the local community and charities. Now in its 27th year, over 2,500 runners competed in one of the most popular events of its type in the UK.

Alastair continued: “As a patron of the MRSC I spend as much time as possible raising money for those with lesser mobility. I can’t walk very far which is why I have two Quingo’s – as five wheeled scooters they are more flexible than the average scooter. We would like to thank both the runners and all those that came out to support them on the day"

On the hunt for Higgy's Heroes

Former English Rugby Union International and County Cricketer, Alastair Hignell CBE, is calling out for all local residents to join his half-marathon team dubbed Higgie’s Heroes.

Alastair, who now resides in Stroud, is inviting all who wish to take part to join the team who have conquered a number of challenges since they were formed in April 2008 including the Stroud half-marathon and the London marathon – where they raised over £50,000.

Former BBC Commentator Alastair was first diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1999 and now spends much of his time raising funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre based in Colchester, Essex with his army of fundraising comrades.

Alastair said: “It’s an honour to raise money amongst friends as part of Higgy’s Heroes. As a patron of the MRSC I spend as much time as possible raising money for those with lesser mobility. I can’t walk very far which is why I have two Quingo scooters – as five wheeled scooters they are more flexible than the average scooter.”

Recent recruits to the team include Paul Benzie and Mark Nicholls of Bedfordshire-based scooter distributor 'Forever Active'. Mark first met Alastair when he presented him with his five-wheeled Quingo Air mobility scooter last October and now both have signed up to take part in Higgy’s Heroes next big challenge – the Stroud half-marathon.

Mark Nicholls, Managing Director for Forever Active Ltd, said: “We’re excited to join the team and help contribute to all the great fundraising efforts made by Higgy’s Heroes. Alastair is a great role model proving all that can be achieved in the face of adversity.”

“Both myself and Paul are ready to undergo a strict training plan so that when the event comes round on the 26 October we are able to complete the 13 mile run alongside the rest of the team. We’re lucky to have Alastair to help provide us with tips to ensure we get past the finishing line!”

Organised by the Stroud & District Athletics Club, the Stroud half-marathon is one of the best sporting events in the South West that continues to support both the local community and charities. Now in its 27th year, it is anticipated that over 2,500 runners will compete in one of the most popular events of its type in the UK.

Alastair continued: “We would like to urge all who believe they cannot partake in such an event that anything is possible and as a member of Higgy’s Heroes you will meet a range of people from all walks of life who are united in trying to raise money for a worthy cause. We had 130 take part last time and this year we are hoping to raise the number of Higgy’s Heroes to 200 – so if you would like to get involved please sign up.”

The Stroud half-marathon will take place on Sunday 26th October, with the race set to start and finish by Marling School at 10am.

Wheels available at Burghley International HorseTrials with Event Mobility

Event Mobility is gearing up for the return of the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in Stamford helping all with mobility difficulties witness the top equestrian skills on offer at the event.

Event Mobility attend over 50 of the country’s biggest and most popular outdoor events providing a safe and comfortable mobility alternative to people with conventional walking sticks or manual chairs. The service is possible through a unique partnership between Forever Active, distributors of the latest 5 wheel Quingo range of mobility scooters and Event Mobility themselves.

Event Mobility staff will be available at the Burghley Park event to assist throughout the event instructing first time scooter riders and offering advice about mobility options for those considering a powered scooter for themselves.

Mark Nicholls, Managing Director for Forever Active, said: “Many people with manual walking aids can find navigating countryside events quite tricky, particularly if there are large crowds and the ground is uneven.

“Event Mobility make grand events such as the Burghley International Horse Trials totally inclusive for people with mobility issues, with a fleet of over 280 scooters available for distribution. Individuals considering mobility aids for themselves or a relative also get the opportunity to see and test drive the latest five wheel Quingo scooters.”

Renowned for combining top international horse sport with top shopping, Burghley offers six specialist pavilions. From the Country Living Magazine pavilion to the Rural Craft Association and the Burghley Foodwalk, guests will be able to find all that they are looking for be it an early start on their Christmas shopping or top culinary delights.

Mark continued “With over six pavilions and two specialist equestrian areas, we understand such a grand scale event can appear intimidating for those with lesser mobility. But with the event mobility experts and scooters around to offer assistance, we would encourage anyone that wishes to attend to contact Event Mobility to be able to relax and enjoy the event.”

For those wanting to focus their visit on horse sport, they will be able to enjoy ‘The World of the Horse’ and ‘The Horse Village’ , which supply exactly that, as well as providing a ‘Celebrity Talk Area’ ideal for autograph hunting whilst keeping an eye on the sporting action on the big screen
The Land Rover Burghley International Horse Trials take place this autumn from the 2nd to 5th September. For more information on Event Mobility and to book your scooter please visit Click this link 

Duchess announced as honorary Red Wheelie

HRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall has been announced as an ‘honorary member’ of the Red Wheelies, Britain’s one and only scooter formation team powered by Quingos.

The team, currently celebrating after completing a 150 mile trek from Winchester to Canterbury, invited the Duchess to join their team after spotting a newspaper photo of her on a mobility scooter as she presented Afghanistan campaign medals to soldiers back in May.

All ten ladies on the Red Wheelies team have Multiple Sclerosis, which brought them together two years ago and they have raised over £15,000 for the MS therapy Centre in Canterbury, Kent. The Duchess, who rode on a mobility scooter after breaking her leg in April earlier this year, accepted the invitation extended by Red Wheelie Carol Coulson on behalf of the Red Wheelies by personal reply.

Jackie Weeden, team leader of the Wheelies said: “I couldn’t believe it when Carol showed us the letter from the Duchess formally announcing her as an ‘honorary member’. We are delighted to be able to welcome the eleventh member to the team and proud that the Duchess of Cornwall has shown her support for our venture with a personally written response.”

Her Royal Highness wrote back to the mobility scooter formation display team to say that she ‘was delighted’ to become honorary member of the team.

Providing the wheels for the team is Forever Active with their highly successful 5 wheel Quingo Scooters. “We’re happy to support the ladies and all that they’ve managed to achieve in 2010. The letter from Camilla is a highlight in a year that has seen the team tackle challenges bigger than ever before." Mark Nicholls, Managing Director for Forever Active went on to say: "We feel lucky to be able to be a part of the venture helping to raise awareness for MS and help people believe that it can truly mean a new beginning where anything can happen.”

To find out more about what it means to be a member of the Red Wheelies or make a welcome donation to their cause, visit http://www.redwheelies.co.uk or follow them on @RedWheelies on Twitter.

Mobility Roadshow welcomes Alistair Hignell CBE and the Red Wheelies

Forever Active, the UK’s supplier of Quingo 5 Wheel Mobility Scooters, is celebrating after its successful appearance at this year’s Mobility Roadshow.
Held at the East of England Show Ground earlier this month, the annual roadshow welcomed a massive 8000 visitors in just three days.

Organised by charity Mobility Choice, the event provides disabled people of all ages along with their carers and families the chance to explore and evaluate the mobility solutions available to them. Now in its 27th year, Forever Active has been a keen supporter of the show for the last ten years.

Visitors were able to see and drive the new 5 Wheeled Quingo range with the Forever Active team on hand to offer help and advice about the scooters unique safety, comfort and agility features. Mark Nicholls, Managing Director for Forever Active, said: “The Mobility Roadshow is always a popular event and this year was the busiest yet. Visitors were all really positive and the Quingo range was a great talking point throughout the show.”

Forever Active’s exhibition area played host to guest speaker, Former English Rugby Union International and County Cricketer Alistair Hignell CBE who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1999. Alistair, VIP guest at the roadshow, was able to inspire others within a similar situation to himself. Throughout the day he continued to give support and first hand advice to visitors about how to cope with lesser mobility and the advantages of owning a Quingo. Mark continued: “We were lucky to have support from a whole host of famous faces at the event. Alastair was able to offer his perspective to the crowds whilst the Red Wheelies, the UK’s only scooter formation display team, supplied entertainment with their performances throughout the day. The Wheelies were real showstoppers, proving that reduced mobility does not mean a reduced lifestyle.”

For more information on the Mobility Roadshow visit www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk or call 0845 241 0390

Red Wheelies at London's first scooter meet

The Red Wheelies, the world’s only scooter formation team made a guest appearance in Peckham on Saturday to support the debut of Peckham Peacocks, London’s first ever mobility scooter meet.

The Wheelies, driving their especially prepared 5 wheeled Quingo’s, wowed onlookers with their formation displays, as Peckham Square played host to crowds of artists and scooter riders, all out to enjoy an afternoon of art to celebrate the launch of Peckham Space’s new venue.
Visitors to the event were able to get involved with a number of arts-inspired activities from undergoing a sixties style makeover to designing a club pennant whilst indulging in refreshments from the new artist-made coffee bar.

Rachael House, artist commissioned by Peckham Space and organiser of Peckham Peacocks said:
“Peckham Peacocks was an art event which brought people together, mobility scooter users along with art audiences and those from local communities. Participants included mobility scooters, wheelchair users, children’s scooters, homemade scooters and even a customised shopping trolley!

“We were so delighted the Red Wheelies were able to perform, they are a real inspiration to all with mobility issues and they show there is no limit to what can be achieved. They were a fantastic addition to the day, which hundreds of people attended and enjoyed.”

Arts organisation Peckham Space marks a partnership between Camberwell College of Art, University of the Arts London and Southwark Council. Set up in 2008, the scheme creates new artwork in response to and with communities in Peckham.

Jackie Weeden, team leader of the Red Wheelies said: “It was a great day and we were happy to involved with a cause that recognizes the advantages of bringing those mobility issues together. We enjoyed the creative activities on offer and look forward to being further involved with Peckham Space in the future.”

For more information on Peckham Space and upcoming events visithttp://www.peckhamspace.com To learn more about the Red Wheelies and make a donation to their cause visit http://www.redwheelies.co.uk 

150 miles in 2 weeks

The Red Wheelies, Britain’s one and only scooter formation team powered by Quingos, have successfully completed their biggest challenge to date.

The team is currently celebrating after completing the 150 mile trek which began at Winchester Cathedral on Sunday 9 May and ended on Friday 21 May with a blessing at Canterbury Cathedral witnessed by the Lord Mayor.

All ten ladies have Multiple Sclerosis, which brought them together two years ago and nothing has stopped them since. After wheeling the length of Hadrian’s Wall in 2009, this year’s challenge proved to be a bigger test than ever before. At almost twice the length of their previous journey, the North Downs Way walk was full of challenges with the ladies travelling an average distance of 16 miles a day, often in adverse weather conditions.

Providing the wheels for the team is Luton-based Forever Active Ltd (UK supplier of Quingo Mobility Scooters), who have been on-hand since the beginning making sure the ladies overcome any bumps and pot holes. They were waiting at the finishing line with a £3000 donation.

Passing through a total of 18 towns from Guildford and Gomshall to Winchester and Wye, the ladies completed the finishing leg of their journey in Canterbury greeted by the Archdeacon of Canterbury, The Venerable Sheila Watson and Julien Brazier, Conservative MP for Canterbury.

Jackie Weeden, team leader of the Wheelies said: “The 2010 challenge got off to a really positive start with a blessing at the Winchester Cathedral; spirits have been high all week and were thrilled to finish on time. We have faced some obstacles like stiles and muddy ground, but our Quingo scooters have ensured we’re well equipped to deal with any challenges the terrain through at us.”

Luton business man, Mark Nicholls, Managing Director of Forever Active continued: “The team spent four months researching the path through the North Downs Way and it was clear that the Red Wheelies were going to need sturdy, easy to manage scooters to get them through the challenge. The five-wheeled scooters are very agile, durable and comfortable, so the ladies were able to complete the course with best machines for the job. It’s wonderful to see the ladies complete such a tough challenge and we’re delighted to be able to support such a worthy cause”

Having raised almost £15,000 with their long distance challenges, the Red Wheelies remain ambassadors for people that face mobility and lifestyle challenges.

To find out more about upcoming events involving the Wheelies and to make a donation, visithttp://www.redwheelies.co.uk or follow them on @RedWheelies on Twitter.

Safety Awareness Day Invitation

We are very pleased to announce the first in a series of ‘Mobility Scooter Safety Awareness Days' and you are invited on Monday 17th May 2010 - 11am–3.30pm - Buckmore Park Kart Circuit - Kent.

Organised by ForeverActive, the UK’s exclusive provider of Quingo 5 wheeled mobility scooters, the day aims to offer the latest safety advice and encourage safe, confident driving. It will also include an opportunity to try the latest 5 wheel scooters on a specifically prepared course that tests 10 key areas of driving safety.

Mark Nicholls, Managing Director at Forever Active said: “All responsible distributors of mobility products should fully assess and tutor potential scooter riders according to the Department of Transport Code of Practice and follow a ROSPA checklist. This important assessment is just the start of the process but we want to offer people of all abilities and confidence levels the chance to try a mobility scooter in a controlled environment away from traffic and also offer the chance to talk to the experts about safe mobility”

The safety awareness day, set to run from 11am until 3.30pm, will also be attended by the popular mobility scooter formation team – the Red Wheelies. The ten ladies, who all have Multiple Sclerosis, have been advocates of safe scooter driving since 2001 helping to raise the positive profile of mobility scooters. The team have a busy schedule, performing at events in and around the UK – they will be showcasing their skills on the day with displays at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm.

Jackie Wheeden, team leader for the Red Wheelies, said: “A mobility scooter can open up a whole new life, making the seemingly impossible – possible. We are delighted to be involved with the safety awareness day. We feel this is a great opportunity for anyone who has been considering a scooter but is unsure. We would be lost without our Quingos; they are our legs and enable us to have fun doing our charity work and public performances as well as every day getting around." Mark continued: “We look forward to the Red Wheelies being involved ensuring that this first event promises to be both informative and entertaining.”

If you, a partner, friend or colleague are thinking about getting a mobility scooter but need the assurance of expert training, then this is the perfect opportunity for you to experience the latest 5 wheel scooters in a safe, controlled environment.

This is your opportunity to:

• Drive a specifically prepared course that tests 10 key areas of mobility safety
• Try the latest range of 5 wheel mobility scooters in a controlled space away from traffic
• Receive full safety tuition & have the chance to talk with mobility experts
• Be assessed following the Department of Transport Code of Practice & ROSPA checklist
• See ‘The Red Wheelies’ - The World’s first Mobility Scooter Formation Display Team

Safety Awareness Day details:
• Free safety tuition and assessment from 11am - 3.30pm
• Red Wheelie displays at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm
• Free parking and toilet facilities
• Refreshments available all day within the venue

Special Guests:
The Red Wheelies Mobility Scooter Formation Display Team.
The 10 strong team all have Multiple Sclerosis and have been
advocates of safe scooter driving since 2001. They join us as part of their 150 mile challenge from Winchester to Canterbury.

Location:
This superb venue is located just off junction 3 of the London to Dover M2 in Kent,
close to the nearby counties of Sussex, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Middlesex and Essex —
only 15 mins drive from the M25 and 40 mins from London.

Set your sat nav to ME5 9QG

The Red Wheelies are in motion again

The Red Wheelies are in motion again

Britain’s one and only ‘Scooter Formation Team’ – the Red Wheelies – are gearing up ready to face their biggest challenge yet after securing funding to cover costs.

All members of the pioneering party have Multiple Sclerosis and, after being first sprung into the spotlight last year after travelling the 84 mile length of Hadrian’s Wall, they have continued to inspire and raise awareness wherever they travel raising funds for The Kent Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre in Canterbury.

Jackie Weeden, team leader of the Wheelies said: “We’ve been planning the next venture for a while but were unsure if costs were going to be covered. Now that we have the funding it’s great that we’re able to go ahead all cylinders firing and raise as much money as possible for the Therapy Centre.”

Grassroots Grants, administered by the Kent Community Foundation, have awarded £5000 to ensure the ladies every success for their new venture.

This year the Red Wheelies are aiming to step up a gear with their Quingo mobility scooters this year as they embark upon completing the North Downs Way walk. Running from Winchester to Canterbury via Dover, the walk passes Guildford, Dorking and Rochester and, at over 150 miles, it’s almost twice the length of last year’s challenge – but that isn’t holding them back.

John Jackson of Kent Community Foundation commented: “We’re really pleased to be able to help such an innovative activity. It’s truly great to see these inspiring ladies who refuse to let a debilitating illness get in their way. I’m glad that we’re able to support them with this year’s big adventure and wish them all the best on their Journey.”

Providing the wheels for the team are Forever Active Ltd (UK suppliers of Quingos) who have donated scooters for all members to ensure they complete the trek glitch-free.

Mark Nicholls, Managing Director at Forever Active said: “Our products have been designed to give people with mobility issues their independence back and these ladies continue to revolutionise the way in which mobility scooters can be used. The Quingo team is incredibly proud to lend a helping hand to the ladies who have achieved so much in the last 18 months.”

Jackie added: “This looks set to be our busiest year yet complete with the biggest challenge we’ve ever faced. We’re thankful for all the support we continue to receive and just want to remind people that we’re here to prove MS doesn’t have to mean you can’t achieve great things. If anything for us it has brought us together and brought opportunities into our lives that we never believed of before. “

The Red Wheelies begin their journey in the next few months. To find out more and to make a donation to help them along their way, visit http://www.redwheelies.co.uk

People can also follow the ladies’ trials and tribulations on @RedWheelies on Twitter.

Mobility Scooter Security Advice

With vandalism of mobility scooters in the headlines recently and the terrible fire incident in Rugby we asked Mark Nicholls, Managing Director of Quingo scooters what precautions manufactures and users can take to protect against vandalism, theft and accidental damage?

“Firstly all Quingo scooters, right from our very first, have a unique serial number which can be used to trace any recovered vehicle and be used by third parities to identify owners and their location. A second obvious security measure is the adoption of genuine ignition keys as opposed to the jack plug key still employed by a number of manufacturers today. Jack plug keys are very easy to come by and afford a very low level of protection. Genuine keys immobilise any vehicle instantly when removed from the ignition and in most cases provide a good level of security when out shopping or just visiting friends.”

Mark goes on to explain that when it comes to storage, there are many additional products available, such as the motorbike style covers which keep the vehicle out of site, the metal framed scooter garages that bolt securely to the floor with a locking system and even garden sheds provide an inexpensive way to protect your scooter investment. “We offer a range of security products and all of them help in securing scooters but at the end of the day there is one security measure that out performs all others in terms of value for money - and that is very good insurance.”

The department of transport recommend in their guidance that although not mandatory all scooter users should take out at least 3rd party insurance. Forever Active, Quingo’s distributor in the UK go a step further and recommend a fully comprehensive insurance package covering fire, theft, accidental damage and public liability cover, plus new for old scooter replacement in the event of vandalism. Mark continues, “The public liability element is increasingly important. For example if a customer were to accidentally run over somebody’s toes in a shopping centre or worse, the implications without insurance are serious. The low cost of the insurance, less than £70 a year is an important factor for our customers especially when compared to the current high costs of tracking devices or large purpose built garages which are simply beyond the reach of most ordinary scooter users.”

We asked Mark if there were any other methods of protection or advice that customers could adopt to protect their investment.

“In addition to the various lock options we offer, there are movement detector alarms which will sound when a scooter is disturbed. These go someway to deterring the opportunist thief. One of our scooters, the Quingo Sport has a standard 12v socket which means any number of security devices can be retro fitted. My advice to all customers is to use common sense, where possible store your vehicle securely either indoors or if outdoors either out of sight or covered. Never leave your vehicle with the keys in the ignition and ensure all your valuable are out of sight or securely locked in the vehicles lockable storage compartments.”

Mr Nicholls concluded “Above all make sure you have good insurance should the worst happen and make sure you are clear on exactly what it covers you for.”