Charity to add second accessible boat to its fleet

A charity providing accessible boat trips will be adding a second boat to its fleet, thanks to an anonymous donation.

Since 2021, The Norfolk Charitable Trust has provided boat trips around Blakeney Harbour in a "wheelyboat" named Poppy, fitted with a ramp and enough space to accommodate up to two wheelchairs.

In its first year, the charity ran 23 free-of-charge trips, and this year expects to run more than 80.

Karen Burton, fundraiser at the trust, said: "Poppy doesn't just provide a boat trip, it provides access to experiences, memories, nature, family time and a sense of freedom many people have denied because of their disability."

The charity raised funds for a wheelyboat of its own in 2021 to give anyone with a physical disability or mobility challenges the chance to enjoy the coast from the water.

Gary Riseborough, senior skipper and trustee, said: "When we take Poppy boat out, we can either go out to see the seals or go down the Cley channel... The new boat will do the same thing but we can do it with bigger groups and get more people on there."

Trips on the boat are free and it can take up to two wheelchairs at a time.

Burton said: "People get really emotional, saying 'You don't know what this means to me'... it's either an experience for the disabled person or for their family. It's very rare they can come together and enjoy this experience together."

The newest boat, called Poppy Freedom, will be able to accommodate up to 12 people and enable the charity to offer trips to large groups of disabled people,

It is expected to be completed at the end of the year, ready to enter service in 2027 at Morston Quay.

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