Cornwall Mobility to supply sand chairs this summer

Cornwall Mobility has taken over the operation of the ‘fleet’ of sand chairs from Cormac, and will be launching an online map of where to find them.

Cornwall Mobility has reached an agreement with Cornwall Council to work in partnership with Disability Cornwall & Isles of Scilly to operate and support the fleet of beach wheelchairs at major beaches in Cornwall.

An online and printable map has been developed showing the public where the chairs can be found. Wavehunters of Polzeath will be taking delivery of two sand chairs kindly funded by The Quinnian Trust for use on the beach at Polzeath.

The sand chairs, which are manufactured in Florida, enable people with a disability or a mobility challenge to access the beach in comfort, without having to use a conventional wheelchair. The advantage of this is that conventional wheelchairs are not good on sand, and the beach environment (sand, grit and stress) can cause serious damage.

Seven of the chairs have been funded over the years by the Quinnian Trust, a brand new one for public use at Mawgan Porth has been funded by SMEGA, and the map was sponsored by the Falcon Inn at St Mawgan.

Cornwall Mobility CEO Edward Trewhella said: “The deployment of these chairs on the beaches around Cornwall represents another step in the long road towards inclusion and accessibility for everyone to Cornwall’s principle asset, its beaches”.

He added that “following a very positive debate with Cornwall Council we have agreed to operate the fleet of wheelchairs, and they are helping us with the promotion of where people can find then – principally through the map, which we are launching today”.

Tommy Potterton, Manager at Wavehunters said “these chairs are in constant demand from folk with a disability, amputees, older people and anyone else who needs them – it will be amazing to have them back on the beach – I am so excited!”

Cathryn Bishop from The Quinnian Trust commented “we’re delighted that Cornwall Mobility will be taking care of the sand chair fleet, and that Wavehunters are continuing their great work looking after them on the beach, they really make a difference to people’s lives”.

Cornwall Mobility is an independent charity, based next to the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske. The Centre specialises in the professional assessment of users’ needs followed by the impartial recommendation and supply of suitable solutions and equipment.

Cornwall Mobility can be contacted on 01872 254920. The website is at www.cornwallmobility.co.uk