Pitstop is a University of Bristol charity, run entirely by students, to take young people with learning disabilities on day trips in and around the Bristol area. Pitstop trips are entirely free for both the young people and the student volunteers and therefore relies on fundraising and grants to allow the activities to happen. Mercedes is already an invaluable Pitstop committee member, as our Student Communicator, and she is also running her first half marathon in May in aid of Pitstop. Any donations would be hugely appreciated by all of the Pitstop team and everyone involved with our trips! 

Pitstop buddies the young people up with a student volunteer for the day. In the last few years, we have organised some amazing trips - taking us to Bristol Zoo, the Bristol Hippodrome, Flying Saucers, Lane7, the Aquarium, and even Chessington World of Adventures! There’s a huge emphasis on fun and new experiences with parents of Pitstop members having said "Pitstop provides so much for both those attending and the families who see the joy and happiness the events can bring". Another said "Pitstop has been game changing for my daughter...it gives her the opportunity to meet great role models through the students". 

Follow Mercedes' Strava progress here:  https://www.strava.com/athletes/mhobkirk-capps

Pitstop is supported by Bristol SU, which is led by students and aims to ensure that all students can make the most of their time at Bristol. Bristol SU represents students’ views to the University through a network of over 800 student representatives. We create a thriving student community by supporting over 350 student groups and running a social events programme which includes Welcome Week. They're also home to Bristol RAG (Raising and Giving), supporting students to fundraise for different charities. Each year students raise thousands of pounds for good!