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Let’s help make Norfolk beaches accessible for all...
Today I was introduced to a young woman who is an
inspiration to us all. She is bed bound with a long term
illness of 13 years and is fast approaching her 30th birthday.
We tend to plan something special for such a landmark
event but when you’re very ill it’s not easy coming up with
a suitable celebration. Vikki George has big plans however,
she’s devised a list of 30 wishes but here comes the twist –
she has these plans in her head but is stuck 24/7 in a hospital
bed. So we need to do them for her!
No 3 on her list is as follows:
“I would like to raise funds for a beach wheelchair for disabled
visitors and locals to North Norfolk to use for free. I need to
raise £6000 (£12,000 for two ideally) for a special chair that
can be pushed on sand and various terrains, it can even go
into the sea. The chair has a tilt/recline function which some
people require due to their disability and for others it’s just nice
to lay back on the beach. It also has a parasol for when the sun
comes out!"
"I have selected Wells-next-the-Sea beach as it’s somewhere I have happy memories of with my Nan; we used to go there a lot until she stopped being able to walk. She passed away this year after a 50 year battle with MS and I would like to do it in memory of her. I know she would love people to be able to have fun because of her. Wells beach is a stunning place but for most disabled people they only get to see the car park!”
Currently the only beach in Norfolk to have the facility of such a chair is Great Yarmouth. After talking with Vikki, we decided that ideally Norfolk could benefit from two more chairs, first one in Wells – as per Vikki’s wishes - and then one around the Heacham/Hunstanton area.
If you wish to make a donation, please log on to:
If you are able to help fundraise or are a business willing to help
through sponsorship etc, please get in touch:
The wheelchairs will need a location to be stored in and help in
running the 'Brenda’s Beach Chair’ service to disabled visitors
– if you are local to Norfolk and able to help in any way, please do
not hesitate to get in touch: [email protected]
If you’d like to find out more about Vikki and her 30 wishes log on to: http://my30wishes.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/the-wishes.html
Connor enjoying his local beach wheelchair
Alison Cornford, Occupational Therapist
"Walking on the beaches in Norfolk has always been my favourite thing to do but ever since my health detioriated I have been forced to sit on a bench or in the car and watch whilst my family go out on the sand and enjoy themselves. Having a beach wheelchair available would enable me to join my family and enjoy my trips to the beach once more which is something I haven't been able to do for years." Catherine Bowden