Katie raises over £2,100 for local charity and gets to meet her F1 hero

Exeter resident Katie Dicker enjoyed a day to remember on Saturday 15 September when she got to meet her hero, Formula 1 legend Nigel Mansell CBE.

Local charity, Dream-A-Way, wanted to thank Katie for taking to her specially adapted trike last month and raising over £2,100 for the charity – which provides holiday grants and trips for people with physical and learning disabilities.

Katie, a Guinness Care customer who has severe physical disabilities and is visually impaired, completed the massive challenge of cycling over 2 miles around Exeter’s Roman city wall. Her Guinness carer Aubone Braddon, who has worked with Katie for over 25 years, acted as her ‘sighted guide’ supporting her on foot. Aubone also accompanied Katie when she met Mr Mansell.

Aubone said: ‘Katie is a keen member of her local classic car club, and it was a dream come true for her to meet Mr Mansell. It was fantastic watching the two of them having so much fun together. Nigel Mansell was very amused by Katie’s Taxi plate on the back of her trike, allowing her to carry eight passengers!”

Nigel Mansell CBE, who is president of Dream-A-Way said: “I know that raising money for this wonderful charity is something that Katie feels passionately about. She wanted to give something back after receiving so much support from Dream-A-Way. A huge congratulations to Katie. I know how hard she trained to ensure that she completed the challenge. It was an honour to meet her and learn more about her accomplishment.”

Jeff Merrett MBE, Chair of Dream-A-Way, said: “I have known Katie for many years and she is always a pleasure to take on our trips. Dream-A-Way are really proud and honoured that she has chosen to raise much-needed funds for us in this unique way.”