Surfer launches fundraiser to buy beach wheelchair
WHEN a Porthcawl surfer received a message from a disabled mother, who said she missed swimming in the sea, he decided to start raising money for a special beach wheelchair.
Corum Champion, who runs Coney Surf, said lots of people come to Sandy Bay in Porthcawl to enjoy the soft sand but not all can get to the water’s edge.
Mr Champion wants to raise enough money to buy a specialist wheelchair that enables people with disabilities to access the beach and even the surf.
He said: “The beach has thousands of visitors every year, people visiting the fun fair, the beach and our beautiful town. We have many visitors that have difficulties accessing the beach due to our soft sands. Some parents can’t even watch their children take surfing lessons.”
Mr Champion, 44, said he got lots of reviews from customers to his surf school and coffee shop, but one in particular stood out.
Sent from Frances Davies, it said: “My daughter loves going there and the coffee is nice too. I’m hoping that they will be hiring out the disabled wheelchair as I miss going swimming in the sea as I’m an amputee now and a disabled wheelchair would be great for all disabled people.”
It got Mr Champion thinking. “We all get tied up in our own bubble, leading busy lives and trying to make money. But in buying this beach wheelchair, we are just trying to make what we do here accessible to everybody. It would be amazing – it could make someone’s day.”
Mr Champion will donate 20p from every coffee he sells in his shop until the £2,500 target is met.
He is also asking for donations and has joined forces with Patrick Evans from the Coney Beach funfair to start organising fundraising events.
At the annual Porthcawl Elvis weekend, which is being held on September 27-29, Mr Champion will be joined by scores of surfers all dressed up as Elvis as part of the fundraising efforts.
“That will be a great laugh,” he said. “If everyone who follows the Coney Surf Facebook page donated £2 we would reach our target in no time and purchase the first beach wheelchair for the community and start making waves for people.”
So far, Mr Champion has raised £330.
■ You can donate by visiting www. gofundme.com or head to the coffee shop in Porthcawl to buy a coffee.