Wheely good boat for Christchurch Quay

The Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Nick Geary, took to the waters recently to help Christchurch wheelchair user, Liz Cox, launch her wheelyboat for disabled people.

Liz came up with the idea for the boat when she saw other specially designed pleasure boats on the Wheelyboat Trust website.
She heard that there was one for sale, so made her purchase and then made contact with Quay Leisure Boat Hire who agreed to moor it at Christchurch Quay.

The boat is specially adapted so that it is similar in style to a landing craft as the front of the boat comes down to form a ramp to enable wheelchair users and other disabled people to get on board.

Liz said, “Until now there has been no easily-accessible pleasure boat for disabled people in Christchurch. Boat hirers struggle to get wheelchairs aboard conventional pleasure boats as they need to be lifted in.

“I feel strongly that disabled people should get involved in every aspect of life, including getting on to the river, so when I saw an opportunity to buy a boat, I grabbed it.”

The Mayor added, “I think it’s great that disabled people will now be able to experience the delights of the river and Christchurch Harbour along with everyone else. I applaud Liz for coming up with this idea and I am sure that disabled residents and visitors alike will benefit from it.”

The boat will be moored at Christchurch Quay for hire from May to October and then available from Quay Leisure outside these months by calling the boat yard on 01202 485859.