Openshaw charity raising funds for cycle track in memory of ‘special little boy’

A Manchester charity is raising £200,000 to build a cycle track in Openshaw in memory of a four-year-old boy who died in 2017.

Step Up MCR is supporting the Max Trax project to fundraise £40,000 towards the cost of the track in Delamare Park in memory of Max Rimmer-Chambers, by matching every £1 donated up to £20,000.

Max was “adored by his family, friends and all who met him” but died in an accident.

He enjoyed playing outdoors and had an obsession with “all things with wheels”, say his parents.

Following support from the local community after Max’s death, the family decided to put  donations from his funeral back into the community and the Max Trax project was born.

Since 2017 the project has secured £20,000 from the local community and even got the support of TeamGB who took time out of their busy schedule to raise an incredible £3,200 for the cycle track a couple of weeks ago.

Kerrie Rimmer, mum to Max and leader of Max Trax, said: “The idea of the track didn’t come about until the end of 2018. So, considering we’ve spent the last two years with lockdown and restrictions the project has moved at a very fast pace.

“Everyone in the community took it upon themselves to raise funds or donate. A lot of people who help out didn’t meet Max.

“They all fell in love with him and desperately want this project to happen as soon as possible.

“The fact that organisations like Travis Perkins and even TeamGB have got involved totally blows my mind. These people had never met me before, it’s really heart touching.”

However, more money is needed. The aim of the Crowdfunder is to create the additional funding required to finalise the cycle track and give Delamere Park a community cycle hub.

Kerrie said: “We just need another 8k to hit 80k. Along with previous money raised we will have hit 100k so to get half way in three short months is unbelievable. I’m so proud of everyone’s help.

Everyone involved and myself and my family are blown away beyond words

The proposed plans for the cycle track include features that will cater to all ages and abilities such as a learn to ride area, a mini roadway to allow understanding of road networks, a beginning and intermediate/advanced pump track, and connection of the area to existing trails in the park.

Max Trax would also be keen to see features such as a bike shop, café and allotments added to the project.

Kerrie added: “Everyone says how much the park is wasted. With the help of our amazing community we will get the whole dream to come alive.”

Max Trax is organising a colour cycle on 26 June. Cost is £5 to enter and all funds will be donated to the project.

Check out more about Max Trax in the video below: