Beach access for adults with limited mobility thanks to sponsorship

Adults with limited mobility can now access Ramsey beach thanks to generous support from an Isle of Man company.

Local charity Disability Networks was successfully awarded £3,000 from the Celton Manx Recognition Award Programme to start a publicly available beach wheelchair service.

A sturdy chair with beach-friendly wheels can be hired from Outdoors Ramsey on South Promenade during its opening hours. 

The chair must be booked in advance by phoning 01624 819082 so it can be prepared.

The adjacent lifeboat slipway allows access to miles and miles of firm sand when the tide it out.

Beth Martin, from Disability Networks, said: 'Celton Manx's generous donation provided enough for an adult beach wheelchair, freight from Florida and six months of insurance which is a fantastic start for the service.

'We thank Celton Manx and Outdoors Ramsey for sharing their vision of more accessible beaches on the Isle of Man.

'This is a triumph of collaborative effort between the business and third sectors and the wider community who have also helped to make this happen in a number of ways.'

The wheelchair had its first run-out before an invited audience this month.

Beth said: 'We are looking forward to the official launch with Celton Manx in the near future when we will be able to demonstrate to the company just what a superb asset the chair will be to those with limited mobility.'

She added: 'The level of demand will guide Disability Networks to consider extension of the service to other beautiful Island beaches. We would like to purchase a child-size chair next.'

Anyone who can offer support towards this should contact Beth via disabilitynetworks@manx.net