"It will be more of a mental challenge"

Monday 27 March 2023

An islander with mobility issues has decided to raise money for two charities supporting others with disabilities - by pedalling 50 laps of Les Quennevais cycle track on a trike.

Nick Ozouf, an employee of the Jersey Employment Trust, was born with a condition known as Vitamin D-resistant rickets – which leads to the softening and weakening of the bones.

The 60-year-old raised money for  Acorn Enterprises and Cycle Without Limits in 2021 when he hand-cycled 28 laps around the Les Quennevais track.

The previous challenge raised more than £2,000 which was split between the two charities.

Acorn, JET’s social enterprise, provides work and training opportunities for people who have a disability or long-term health condition, while Cycle Without Limits is an inclusive cycling centre run by Jersey Sport, allowing more people, who wouldn’t otherwise be able, to experience the freedom of cycling.

Pictured: Nick Ozouf has previously raised thousands of pounds for charity by hand-cycling 28 laps around the Les Quennevais track.

"The last challenge was all about upper body strength," Mr Ozouf said.

"This challenge will be harder, and more physical. My legs are not as strong as my arms and shoulders, and it’s almost double the distance. It will also be more of a mental challenge. Due to the winter weather, I haven’t done as much training," he added.

The islander has this time set a fundraising target of £1,000, and expects the new challenge will take six hours to complete.

"I used a hand-cycle last time because I didn’t think a traditional tricycle could be adapted for me. During training for the challenge, we found out that it could be, so this new challenge developed," he continued.

"The track is just under a mile long so I will do almost 50 miles. A challenge like this keeps me motivated to keep exercising. It allows me the freedom to do a sport on my own where I don’t need constant supervision. It’s all about freedom."

Mr Ozouf had initially planned to undertake the challenge last year in celebration of his 60th birthday, but it was postponed when he caught covid just two weeks before.

"Strong winds could put it off, and even moderate winds would make it difficult on the back straight, 50 times over," he said.

"People are only disabled if due to the environment or situation they cannot be involved or included. As a society we are striving for equality in all areas of life and this must include everyone who has a disability, no matter what it is. If we can provide the right environment, equipment and support to ensure that people with disabilities are always included, then we can ensure that they are not disabled," he added.

Islanders are welcome to support Mr Ozouf on the day of the challenge from 10:00 on Saturday 15 April.

CLICK HERE to donate.