Equipment supplier supports walking event with the launch of a new ‘free-of-charge’ mobility hub

A walking event has been made more accessible for mobility scooter and powerchair users thanks to the loaning of six modern TGA Scoozys at the event for easy off-road mobility.

Working with its partner Access the Dales, TGA Mobility will be supporting the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) Festival of Walking event from YHA Malham on Friday 30 September 2022.

The event will take place at 10am at the Lister Arms at Malham, Skipton, North Yorkshire. It is suitable for off-road mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.

Debbie North, Founder of Access the Dales, a charity committed to making the countryside accessible for disabled people, will be leading the Malham walk. Despite having a spinal condition and walking difficulties, Debbie remains mobile and independent by using manual and powered wheelchairs, one of which is a WHILL powerchair supplied by TGA who will also be attending the event.

TGA will be loaning six recently launched TGA Scoozys at the event for people with mobility challenges. The Scoozy is a new device, designed as a “scooter/powerchair hybrid” that is ideal for rocky track and trails.

Daniel Stone, TGA Manager Director, explains: “We are proud to support Access the Dales in their brilliant efforts to increase accessibility in the countryside so that everyone can discover new paths and trails. We’re looking forward to helping out at this accessible event, so that even more people can experience everything the Yorkshire Dales has to offer.”

At the event, Access the Dales and TGA will be launching their latest ‘hub’ located at the Lister Arms. One of five new centres in the Yorkshire Dales, this hub will provide free-of-charge hires of TGA wheelchairs, powerchairs, and mobility scooters so people can explore Gordale Scar and Malham Cove.

The inclusive walk starts at the YHA hostel in Malham. There is a choice of two scenic routes. Each walk will include a guided tour around ‘karst limestone country’, providing an opportunity to learn how the amazing landmark features were formed.

Debbie agrees with Daniel, as she concluded: “Being enabled to experience the stunning countryside around the UK can really help strengthen mental health and wellbeing. By having the right mobility product for individual needs, a world of opportunities can open up as difficulties with walking are forgotten.

“Freedom to explore should be everyone’s right – Access the Dales alongside TGA will continue striving to make this happen. We are grateful as ever to TGA for their support, both with the ongoing Hubs centres and our forthcoming Festival of Walking.”

TGA advisors will be on hand throughout the day to provide free Scoozy loans, guidance on safe driving, information, and advice on other products suitable for outdoor trails and how best to get outdoors with peace of mind.

Recently TGA supported a lady from Folkestone to start a new business called ‘Wild with Wheels’ which provides guided nature walks for mobility scooter and wheelchair users.