Innovative beach wheelchair scheme for Fleetwood moves step closer

Earlier this year the innovative and much-anticipated project for Fleetwood was granted charity status.

The initiative is aimed at allowing disabled people greater access to the beach, so they don’t have to be excluded, as the appliances have specially large all terrain tyres and other features.

It will see the wheelchairs being hired out free of charge from premises close to the beach.

The newly-named Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs project has been under development for nearly two years, in various forms, but the team behind say it is almost ready to roll.

Mick Gray, chairman of the Fleetwood beach Wheelchairs, says the group already possesses one specially adapted wheelchair and has had financial support from the Haldane Trust to acquire more.

The team is now seeking funds to enable the purchase of a state-of-the art hoist, which will assist clients with the use of chairs at the proposed beachfront premises, and has set up a justgiving page.

Mick said: “We are continuing discussions for the use of premises on Fleetwood seafront, very close to the beach, which can be developed for the wheelchair centre.

“This venue also has facilities for disabled parking, so access is not going to present a problem.”

He added “We are already a charity and members of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations and the Small Charities Coalition, and we are

always eager for people to volunteer and help us.

“At present in these tough times we feel it’s important to give hope for the future, and if we can accomplish this for people with disabilities, all the more positive.

“That is why the Trustees and supporters a have been pressing ahead to get the project up and running."

At present the group have the use of a specialised ‘Hippocampe’ adapted wheelchair.

This is robust, waterproof all terrain beach wheelchair, corrosion resistant and suitable for all ages.

It allows its users the ability to explore, and use and appreciate the beach which would be totally impossible in aconventional wheelchair.

Mick added: “Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs are now moving forward towards launching our service to the local community of Fleetwood and

those who choose to visit the beautiful beaches of the town.”

For further information about the group and the scheme’s project, visit:https://www.fleetwoodbeachwheelchairs.co.uk/, and the web site will be

updated as the group expands.