MP champions cause of Trossachs Mobility
A NEW Callander charity improving access to the Trossachs for wheelchair users has been championed in the House of Commons, writes Sandy Neil.
Trossachs Mobility, founded by friends Wayne Johnson and Gordon Wilson, is a non-profit organisation of volunteers who provide all-terrain access for the physically challenged into Trossachs National Park.
‘We take for granted walking in the woods or skimming a stone across the river,’ writes Gordon Wilson, a wheelchair user, on the charity’s website. ‘These are simple but important things, yet almost impossible achievements for wheelchair users.
‘Luckily these barriers can be broken down thanks to the world of ingenious inventors. Given the right equipment nothing is impossible and freedom can be reclaimed. Photography, fishing, exploring, whatever it may be, it should be easy for everyone to access.
‘Our quest is to create a hub where we can provide all-ability access by means of a selection of all-terrain chairs, therefore opening the door to our beautiful countryside for all.’
Trossachs Mobility is currently trying to raise start-up funds and recently received its official charity status and secured premises.
Welcoming the charity’s progress, Stirling MP Steven Paterson called on Parliament to debate how MPs can better support innovative projects such as Trossachs Mobility.
During business questions at Westminster last week, Mr Paterson asked the Leader of the House, David
Lidington MP: ‘Trossachs Mobility is a new and innovative charity that has been established in my constituency to offer opportunities to people who are wheelchair users to get out and about in the outdoors – the spectacular terrain, woodland and hills in the Trossachs. May we have a debate to explore how we can promote such excellent initiatives across the country?’
Mr Lidington welcomed Mr Paterson’s comments and suggested that other MPs could learn from Trossachs Mobility’s innovative success.
Mr Paterson added: ‘Trossachs Mobility is an inspirational start-up organisation, born out of a friendship. Gordon and Wayne have worked together to think of ways which wheelchair users can enjoy the outdoor experiences that the Trossachs have to offer.
‘When I first met Gordon and Wayne, their personal story of friendship was as inspiring as their sheer determination to make this ambitious project a reality.’