Buying a Hand bike

The two big questions asked by anyone interested in handcycling are "where do I get one?" and "where do I get the money?" There are many charities and grant-making bodies out there, the problem is contacting the ones who are prepared to help you.
Ideally you should start your search in your local library. They will have a copy of a book called something like "The directory of charities and grant making trusts". This will help in providing the contact names and address for many of the bigger charities and trusts. Keep your search to sporting and disabled charities and be prepared to photocopy a lot of address's.

When you have a half decent list of national groups ask behind the library counter for contact address's of any local charitable organisation. i.e. The Lions club, the Round Table and the Rotary Club. Your town or area might also have several small local bodies that only do local work. Groups like this wont be rich, but if you can get £50's from a local charity the larger national charities might be more helpful.

The next step is to get a friendly physio to write you a letter. This letter should state in no uncertain terms how much benefit you will reap from handcycling. (keeps you fit, gets you out of the house, good for your social life, your physical wellbeing and your mental health, stops you staring at the telly all day etc.etc.). Your local health centre will have a physio who can be sweet talked into helping you or, even better an out patients physio from one of the spinal units or local hospital.

Write at least five letters asking for help to local groups or even companies that are based near you. Include a copy of your physio's letter and a quote from the suppliers of your intended purchase. SAVE ALL THE REPLIES EVEN THE SORRY CAN'T HELPS.
When you have had replies from your local organisations try the national charities. The Sainsbury Trust, The Garfield Weston Foundation and the Bruce Wake Charity might all be helpful if approached correctly. When contacting the national charities you will get best results if you can send them:

1. A letter explaining why it is so important for you to have a handbike. i.e. physical and mental wellbeing, a sense of freedom, escape from your wheelchair etc. Violins must play and heartstrings must be tugged.
2. A letter from a physio.
3. A quote for the machine you want, preferably with a picture.
4. As many letters from other charities saying "sorry we can't help" as you can get your hands on.

When it comes to presentation you stand more chance with a neat hand-written letter than a typed or printed letter. It is more intimate and makes the recipient feel that they are helping a real person.

The most important thing to remember is that nobody wants to give money to a loser or a waster. Make people feel that by giving you money they are helping you to become a more independent and better person. And if you have to much pride to write begging letters you need to start saving. Good luck and be prepared to wait.