Wheelyboat Services based at a marina near Nantwich has been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services.
It is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their communities.
The award, viewed as an “MBE for volunteer groups”, is a recognition of dedication and hard work of those involved with the service based at Overwater Marina, between Audlem and Nantwich.
The service transports disabled passengers in a specially designed boat along the Shropshire Union Canal.
David Briggs MBE KStJ, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, said: “Overwater Wheelyboat Services is a truly worthy winner of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
“Their magnificent team of volunteers provide pure pleasure to so many of the least fortunate people in our community and enables them to see the very best of our wonderful County.
“I much hope to be able to present this well-deserved award to all the volunteers in the near future and I thank each of them for all that they do.”
Wheelyboat Services was the brainchild of Audlem residents Rodney Cottrell and Michael Harthern.
Along with a team of volunteers, they set about raising £30,000 for a custom-built wheelyboat designed to carry disabled passengers.
With support of the Wheelyboat Trust, and funding from Comic Relief, Cheshire Community Action, Ableworld and individual contributors, the ‘Maughan Lass’ was launched in 2015.
The 17ft boat, based at family-run Overwater Marina, is specially designed for people with mobility issues allowing roll on/roll off access for wheelchairs.
It means local disabled children and adults have been able to enjoy trips around the marina and along the Shropshire Union Canal enjoying wildlife and the countryside.
Since its launch, the Wheelyboat has carried 1,500 people.
In early 2017, the team identified a need to transport people from their homes and care homes to the boat and the Overwater Wheelybus Project was born.
The team raised more than £35,000 to buy a minibus suitable for carrying wheelchairs and less able passengers.
The bus also works with local community groups transporting disabled passengers to hospital and other appointments.
Wheelyboat Services President and Overwater Marina owner Janet Maughan said: “The people who have made this happen are beyond special – as volunteers they have no measured value, not because it is difficult to measure their worth but because they are priceless.”
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