A charity offering accessible boat trips is adding another vessel to its fleet thanks to an anonymous donation.
The Norfolk Charitable Trust already operates a wheelchair-accessible boat called Poppy around Blakeney Harbour.
Launched in 2021, the boat offers disabled people and their families trips into the harbour and its nature reserves. Now, an anonymous donation means the trust is commissioning a second, larger boat called Poppy Freedom.
The new vessel can take up to 12 people, including wheelchair users, people with mobility challenges and their families and carers. Poppy Freedom is expected to begin taking people out on trips from Morston Quay next year.
The charity says it is aiming to reduce inequality by improving access to nature. “Non-disabled people can easily enjoy everything the harbour has to offer, but for many disabled people, mobility challenges and health conditions have made that much harder,” said a spokesperson.
“Poppy is changing that by breaking down these barriers, helping disabled people feel more included, connect with their community and take part in activities that support their wellbeing and help reduce health inequalities.”
