A BEACH wheelchair scheme enabling disabled people to enjoy the seaside up close has been launched for its second year.
The West Bay Beach Wheelchair scheme was established in March 2023, a partnership between the town council, local volunteers including Elaine Leader and Neil Barnes, Parkdean Resorts Ltd, and Dorset Council.
The scheme has now been launched for 2024 - featuring a Trail Glider wheelchair buggy and a Mobi Chair.
The harbour team has laid half of the matting on West Beach and the second half - which was recently funded by Bridport Town Council - will be laid imminently.
To commemorate the launch, children from Mountjoy school attended and used the Sandcruiser and the Hippocampe.
Read more: West Bay wheelchair-friendly beach matting to expand
Elaine Leader said: "I was so happy to see Gabriel Jolliffe who rode on the Hippocampe at the 2023 launch. He has been in hospital for almost nine months so it's incredible he was well enough to come and be part of the occasion.
"Linda Simpson from West Dorset Mencap (WDM) attended whom I am keen to thank because they generously funded the Trail Glider wheelchair buggy.
"This is specially designed for those who have the most profound needs and cannot transfer from their wheelchair. It enables them to remain in their wheelchair and be pushed up a ramp onto the Trail Glider and then have the freedom to roam across the beach.
"I also want to thank Magna Housing for funding the Mobi Chair and Bridport Round Table for funding the Hippocampe.
"Also, the Rotary Club of Bridport, who gave £2,000 (bequeathed by the late Eddy Fry) towards the storage building."
Read more: West Bay wheelchair scheme makes beach more accessible
There have also been donations from Highlands End, West Bay Days, Groves Garden Centre Bridport, Specsavers Bridport, and A.J Wakely Bridport.
Elaine is hopeful that support will continue and aims to raise approximately £15,000 for the storage building.
Elaine Leader added: "The support for the scheme has been incredible and I want to thank everyone who has helped in any way, and the charities, community groups and everyone who has donated towards the scheme."
For more information about the scheme and the free hire of beach wheelchairs visit www.bridport-tc.gov.uk/beach/
If you would like to make a donation visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/beach-wheelchairs-for-west-beach-west-bay-dorset-1.
You can also search 'West Bay Wheelchair' on Crowdfunder to find the page.
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