It’s Wheelie successful!

The Red Wheelies Formation Display Team – comprising nine courageous women with multiple sclerosis – has won the top sporting title at the first Disabled Motoring UK Awards. The ceremony took place at the Goodwood Revival last month.

The group’s ‘wheels’ come in the form of five-wheeled Quingo Scooters, provided by Luton-based Forever Active.

The awards are aimed at inspirational adventurers and anyone campaigning or working to improve facilities for disabled drivers, passengers and Blue Badge holders.

Different categories recognise the contributions and achievements of individuals and organisations.

Wheelies team leader Jackie Weeden said: “We do what we do for fun and to show other people that there really is life after an MS diagnosis and hopefully to spread MS awareness in a more positive light.” She added: “Too many people think when they have MS it’s the end, but it isn’t.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our husbands, so we’d like to say a big thank you to them.”

The team is still celebrating breaking the Guinness world record for the greatest distance covered in 24 hours by a motorised wheelchair or mobility scooter. They completed 154 miles, comprehensively beating the previous holder by 66 miles.

They’re also delighted that the Duchess of Cornwall has agreed to become an honorary Red Wheelie.

Forever Active managing director Mark Nicholls said: “We feel lucky to be able to be part of the venture.”

All money raised goes towards the Kent MS Therapy Centre rebuilding fund.

> For more information visit www.redwheelies.co.uk