New beach wheelchair for hire in Gorey

Tuesday 01 July 2014

People with mobility problems will soon be able to enjoy more of the Island’s beaches.

Jersey Electricity and the Chefs Tenants du Fief de la Reine of Grouville have clubbed together to give a local charity thousands of pounds to buy a specially designed beach wheelchair and a place to store it at Long Beach in Gorey.

Unlike normal wheelchairs, the American built balloon-wheeled chairs can roll over sand, stones and slipways and cost around £4,000 each.

Jersey Electricity wanted to give something back to the community after the disruption they have caused in Grouville whilst installing the new electricity supply cable to France.

The company’s CEO Chris Ambler said: “We have been very grateful for the co-operation of the Parish of Grouville, the Chefs Tenants and all local residents during these extensive works and we are delighted to give something back to the parish in some small way.

“Jersey is blessed with miles of beautiful beaches and they should be accessible to everyone.”

BeachAbility have chairs for hire at Le Braye, St Brelade’s Bay and at the Gunsite in St Aubin’s Bay and the charity plans to offer them at West Park and La Mare Slip in St Clement.

The charity was set up by motor neurone disease sufferer Sharon Grey and her former physiotherapist Suzie MacLagan.

The funds for its first chair were raised two years ago bySharon’s friends, family and the ladies of Les Mielles Golf Club.

Chef Tenants Treasurer Mark Labey said: “The Chef Tenants are always willing to help fund projects that are of direct benefit to the parish. BeachAbility is doing wonderful work in an area that had been overlooked.

“While Town, shops and public buildings provide access for people with mobility problems, no one had thought of our beautiful beaches.

“There have already been several emotional stories from people who are benefiting from these chairs, some of whom haven’t been able to enjoy the jobs of the beach and sea shore for many years.”