Supported living residents cycle, run and swim to raise £13,000 for accessible garden
The residents and carers of Redbridge House enjoyed the triathlon
Residents and carers of supported living facility Redbridge House took part in a triathlon to raise money for an accessible outdoor garden for young adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs.
Redbridge House, a supported living service run in partnership between Portsmouth City Council and Community Integrated Care, provides homes for seven young adults with additional needs, and was opened in 2025.
However, the garden of the property can be unsafe for its residents, limiting their opportunities for exercise, relaxation and having fun in the fresh air.
To raise money to renovate the garden, including putting in a trampoline and vegetable patch, the residents and carers of the house, and their friends and families, took part in a triathlon along the Hilsea coastal paths, ending with a swim in the lido.
One resident, Felix MacKechnie, 21, enjoyed taking part in the triathlon
“Felix has autism, ADHD, severe learning difficulties, dyspraxia, and he has had some epileptic seizures,” said his mother, Michelle. “He is pretty much non verbal.”
“I think in his own way he enjoyed the triathlon, he led the way in terms of jumping in the freezing cold lido!” said his dad Scott.
“When I think about the resilience of the young adults from that house, it was a massive challenge for all of them,” said Michelle. “They almost overachieved themselves, as did the carers.”
The triathlon was adapted to ensure that all the residents, who all have different physical needs, could take part in the event.
“I think it really touched everyone who was there,” said Michelle.
The event was attended by the Deputy Mayor Cllr Suzy Horton and Deputy Lady Mayoress Jo McDougall.
“They were so involved, they spoke to every single person who did that race,” said Michelle. “It made the event really special.”
Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Suzy Horton said: "It was a real pleasure to attend the triathlon alongside my Deputy Lady Mayoress and see so many people coming together to take part in this challenge and support Redbridge House.
“The enthusiasm, commitment, determination and community spirit on display were truly inspiring.
"Congratulations to everyone who took part, volunteered or contributed to raising the funds needed to create an amazing, accessible garden that residents and visitors will enjoy all year round."
So far, the residents and their families have raised nearly £13,000 to put towards the garden revamp, but they are still aiming to raise more to build the garden of their dreams.
“We are going to raise more money, and look at grants and things like that,” said Scott.
“We would love if local businesses in Portsmouth could help us too with the physical building of the garden, we do have volunteers who want to help but we will probably need to use machinery to dig,” he said.
You can donate to the fundraiser and find out more about how local businesses can help the campaign here.