Parents of sailor lost at sea to fund the purchase of Wheelyboat at the Southampton Boat Show‏

A press release:

Crewman’s family to fund the purchase of the latest Wheelyboat at the Southampton Boat Show and experience the V20 model for themselves

At 2:00 pm this Sunday 13 September, Graham and Lorraine Male, parents of Cheeki Rafiki crewman James Male, will be visiting The Wheelyboat Trust stand M408 at Southampton Boat Show to see for themselves a Coulam V20 Wheelyboat, similar to the one they are fundraising for on behalf of QE2 Activity Centre.  They will present a cheque to Phil Oates, Manager of QE2 Activity Centre, towards the cost of the boat and be taken afloat by Andy Beadsley, Director of The Wheelyboat Trust.

In May 2014 Graham and Lorraine Male lost their son, James, when the yacht Cheeki Rafiki foundered mid Atlantic. Learning about the QE2 Activity Centre from friends and recognising that the centre shared their son’s enthusiasm for introducing young people to outdoor activities, they decided they would like to offer practical support to the charity.

For almost forty years QE2 Activity Centre, by the Hamble River in Hampshire, has been providing activity opportunities for people with disabilities.   Over the years the Centre has enabled thousands of people to get afloat, using canoes, kayaks and a pontoon boat.

As Phil Oates, Manager of QE2 Activity Centre explains, “We want to make sure that everyone has access to the river, so we have built up a range of boats to cater for people of all abilities”.

“Last year we were approached by Graham and Lorraine who wanted to celebrate James’ love of watersports by supporting the centre.  They raised enough money to purchase five sit-on-top kayaks – but their efforts didn’t stop there. They knew we wanted to buy a new wheelchair accessible motorboat, so they kept on fundraising.”

Now, with the support of The Wheelyboat Trust, the centre will soon be purchasing a Coulam V20 powerboat. The Wheelyboat Trustis a national charity that provides disabled people with the opportunity and freedom to enjoy water-based activities all over the UK, for sport, wildlife watching, recreation or rehabilitation purposes with its seven different boat models. The specially designed Wheelyboats are simple to board via their roll-on, roll-off bow ramps and their level deck provides access to every corner of the boat including the helm, overcoming practical difficulties and providing disabled users with independence to make the entire water accessible.

Andy Beadsley, Director of The Wheelyboat Trust says, “I am thrilled to be demonstrating our latest and most versatile Wheelyboat, the Coulam V20 to Graham and Lorraine at the Southampton Boat Show this Sunday. This craft provides disabled people with the opportunity and freedom to enjoy water-based activities, and I am delighted that one will be going to the QE2 Activity Centre”.

Phil Oates adds “The Coulam V20 will be a great addition to our fleet, giving disabled people even more opportunities to see and appreciate the ever-changing river and experience speed on the water”.

Those who know the area will know that the Upper Hamble is one of the loveliest spots in Hampshire, while the lower Hamble, with its 3,500 boats, is like a permanent boat show – everything from dinghies and fishing boats to ‘gin palaces’ and Round the World yachts.

It is not just boating that happens at QE2 Activity Centre. Being based in a 400 acre country park by the Hamble means a wide range of activities is possible.  These include archery, climbing and team games in a purpose built sports hall; ropes course, team challenge and zipwire in the grounds; bushcraft, geocaching and orienteering in the country park and, best of all, getting out on the water.

Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Activities Centre is a registered charity. The Centre offers both day and holiday facilities for people with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, sensory impairments and other additional needs.