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WALLINGFORD – Friends of Randy McClellan launched a GoFundMe to raise money for the Wallingford man after he was struck while cycling on Route 7 on September 10.
McClellan, a popular figure in the Danby and Wallingford area, is often seen cycling along Route 7 between the two communities wearing his iconic bright orange safety vest.
McClellan, an affable man with cognitive differences, is apparently always in a good mood and eager to engage.
People who meet McClellan at one of the convenience stores in the area can expect to have a conversation as McClellan has never met a stranger and will instantly strike up a conversation for as long as you can.
The GoFundMe, put together by family friend Jill Burkett, said that almost anyone who drives this stretch of highway will have seen McClellan ride his trusty bike 12 months a year.
She said it was his only form of transportation and that he was recently heartbroken when he had to sell part of his model car collection to buy parts for this bike, which was destroyed in the city. ‘accident.
“Randy just depends on his bike to get out and make money for the things he needs,” writes Burkett in the GoFundMe description.
He sometimes picks up cans along the highway or in garbage cans for recycling. In summer it mows lawns and in winter it can be seen walking sidewalks with a snow shovel to clear another driveway, sidewalk or roof.
He was hit on Highway 7 in South Wallingford on September 10.
McClellan ended up with a fractured spine, broken ribs and a spleen injury that was accompanied by fractures to his arm, leg and ankle.
He spent two days in intensive care at Rutland Regional Medical Center, according to his cousin Heidi Drummond, and had surgery on some of his injuries this week.
The GoFundMe, which is intended to help him recover and replace his bike, raised $ 6,015 of a goal of $ 5,000 on Sunday afternoon. There had been 146 donations ranging from $ 5 to $ 250.
The plan is also to give McClellan a bike, bike trailer and gift cards for his recovery and because he enjoys coffee at one of the local convenience stores in town.
Burkett wrote on GoFundMe that McClellan will be very happy to know that his community has stepped up to support him when needed.
“Knowing Randy, he will be overflowing with happiness and will speak for the rest of his life about what the community has done for him,” Burkett wrote.
If enough money is raised, the hope is to get a motorized bicycle for McClellan to help him in the hills of Vermont, “since he is not getting any younger.”
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