Somerset tandem ride supports charity after stroke

A partially sighted charity leader cycles 400km around Somerset on a tandem to raise funds for a mobile school workshop bus.

Somerset tandem ride supports charity after stroke

A partially sighted man is cycling 400km around Somerset on a tandem, a year after a stroke. James Shone, head of the charity I Can & I Am, rides with colleague Anthony Dutton. Shone, who lost much of his sight after a brain tumour in 2012, set off on Sunday to circumnavigate the county and raise money to buy a third double-decker bus for use in schools as a workshop space to teach practical skills.

The ride underlines how local action can support communities and young people. The duo hope to raise £35,000 to fund the bus project, a tangible goal that connects the personal challenge to a longer-term educational purpose.

The story blends personal resilience with a practical mission. By choosing a tandem, Shone makes the case that inclusion starts on the road and extends into classrooms. The fundraising element turns a personal feat into a community project that could expand hands-on learning in schools. The ride also highlights how small, local initiatives can create visible change without relying on large institutions.

Yet long-distance cycling for someone with partial vision carries risks and demands strong support networks. The success of the campaign will depend on local involvement, volunteers, and donors who see the bus project as more than a stunt. If it inspires other communities, it could become a model for turning health challenges into educational opportunities.

Highlights

Small steps on the road can spark lasting change in classrooms and communities.