The Microgaming Health & Care Trust has made a donation to Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled for the purchase of a carriage specifically designed for wheelchair users.

Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled is a registered charity on the Isle of Man (charity number 1172) that provides horse carriage driving experiences for anyone with a disability. Run by a group of enthusiastic volunteers, the charity is accredited to RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association), a governing body which oversees around 500 RDA groups and centres offering disabled horse riding activities throughout the UK.

Driving experiences are provided at the Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre, thanks to the centre’s generous loan of equipment and facilities. Currently around 30 adults and 15 children benefit from the charity’s services, and this number is on the rise.

Martin Sewell, Volunteer Fundraiser for Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled, commented: “The number of people wanting to participate in carriage driving is growing, and we’re thrilled. But it has quickly become apparent that we needed a second modified carriage, which is wheelchair accessible, in order to meet the demand. I’m so thankful to the Microgaming Health & Care Trust for stepping in and supporting our programme – this donation will enable more disabled Manx residents to enjoy the pleasures and challenges of carriage driving, gain confidence and make new friends.”

The Microgaming Health & Care Trust has donated ?6,000 for the purchase of the carriage. With the equipment now in place, the charity hopes to grow its membership to over 150 by 2017, and to indirectly enhance the lives of over 500 Manx residents. The new carriage was showcased at an open afternoon at Ballavartyn in November, with different riders taking the reins on a structured course. The setup demonstrated the new carriage’s versatility in carrying both seated passengers and those in wheelchairs, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride for all those on-board.

Paul Novellie, Trustee of the Microgaming Health Care & Trust, added: “Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled is a worthy charity that provides a unique service to the local community. Their volunteer team work incredibly hard to ensure all children and adults have an opportunity to drive a carriage. To support the organisation with the purchase of a second specialist carriage was a pleasure; we know this will make a real difference to the services they provide and it has been so rewarding to see the carriage in action.”

For more information on Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled, contact Martin Sewell on 491785.

Photo - Paul Novellie, Trustee of Microgaming Health & Care Trust with Arne Dahn and drivers, with the new Disabled Carriage.