History

It was local motorcycle enthusiast Cecil "Ces" Turner who formed Freewheelers in Yeovil in 1978.

Ces had broken his back many years before in a car accident and had spent quite some time in Yeovil District Hospital recovering.

As part of his recovery he joined the local swimming club for the disabled who went each year to a camp at Farnham in Surrey. He got talking to one of the helpers at the camp about motorcycling and found out about the group that had been running in Stevenage in Hertfordshire.

On his return to Yeovil he founded the local group and we have been operating since December 13, 1978.

Their aim was, and still is, to assist the local Health Authority by providing transport between hospitals throughout the region and they are also prepared to travel throughout the country.

In its first year they received just 13 calls, this has now risen to over 300 per year, which is saving Yeovil District Hospital an estimated £36,000 per annum.

Each `shout' not only helps one NHS patient directly but also helps their family and friends.

It took a long time and a lot of hard work to develop the trust between the Freewheelers, the Police and the NHS Trust, but the bond and mutual respect has grown over the years.