NEW BEACH WHEELCHAIR TO GIVE WOLLONGONG LOCALS A NEW LEASE OF LIFE

With the continuing hot weather in Wollongong Nina Crompton is looking forward to testing the new floating beach wheelchair to be launched today by Multiple Sclerosis Limited at Bulli Surf Lifesaving Club.

It marks a huge day for Nina as she has not been able to enjoy the beach since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis five years ago.

“I found out that I had multiple sclerosis in 2013, and the next year it had affected my legs,” she said.

“It’s been a long while since I last visited the beach and I can’t wait to feel the water under my feet and experience the cool sea breeze.”

Multiple Sclerosis Limited has worked with the Bulli Surf Lifesaving Club to give local people with limited mobility the ability to access the newly acquired beach wheelchair and spend a day at the beach with family and friends.

John Blewonski, Chief Executive Officer of Multiple Sclerosis Limited, thanked the Honda Foundation for donating the chair and said that it would be not just for people with MS but also will be available at no cost for others with similar disorders and disabilities.

“This chair is a significant step forward for wheelchair users and will improve their quality of life by getting them back onto the beach and in many cases into the water. It’s important that everyone has the opportunity to live an active and healthy lifestyle regardless of their personal circumstance or physical ability.”

Keith Caldwell, Bulli Surf Lifesaving Club President, said that it was a fantastic initiative by Multiple Sclerosis Limited and that he expected the new equipment will help people with a disability and their families have fun at the beach together.

“We’re lucky to have a beautiful beach and this initiative will ensure that everyone across the Illawarra region will be able to access it.”

Keith said that volunteer lifesavers would be on hand to assist wheelchair users at weekends and public holidays.

“The chairs will be handed over to the hirer for self-use, however our lifesavers will always be there to help out if they can.”

The Mobi Floating Beach Wheelchair (called the Mobi-Chair) is the world’s most popular amphibious rolling beach wheelchair. It provides a seamless transition from a wheelchair to the beach, and from the beach into the ocean.

Bookings for a beach wheelchair can be made by emailing bullisurfclub@gmail.com to arrange a time & date (on weekends & public holidays only)