Manchester Paralympian launches new wheelchair accessible boat at Gorton Reservoir

Before heading to Paris 2024, Williams, who is from Manchester, launched the new Coulam V17 Wheelyboat – named Liberty – which will enable disabled locals and visitors to enjoy water-based activities on Gorton Reservoir for the first time. The banks of the reservoir were alive with activity as Williams cut the ribbon to officially launch Liberty, as an enthusiastic crowd gathered to watch. The launch was serenaded by a local Brigade band and flares added a touch of colour as she set sail for the first time.

Liberty is the result of a partnership between national charity The Wheelyboat Trust and Debdale Outdoor Centre, which is managed by GLL on behalf of Manchester Active, a not-for-profit organisation established and overseen by Manchester City Council. Liberty will enable locals and visitors with any type of physical or cognitive disability to take part in a range of water-based activities, from powerboating to nature watching. She is available for use all year (weather depending), and will soon be gearing up for Halloween themed activities and even a Santa Run come winter!

Like all Wheelyboat models, Liberty is specially designed to be fully accessible. Her hydraulic bow door lowers to form a ramp for roll-on, roll-off wheelchair access from an accessible pontoon or jetty, the large open cockpit provides access to all corners of the boat and the drive-from-wheelchair helm enables people with even the severest of disabilities to drive the boat, too.

Paul Elgood, Director of Development, The Wheelyboat Trust said: “Wheelyboats provide a lifeline for anyone with a disability or mobility issues, as users can board safely and independently. Boating is also one of the few activities in which disabled and able-bodied people can participate on equal terms, which is something we celebrate every time a new boat is launched.”

Martin Ware, Water Sports Manager, Debdale Outdoor Centre, said: “The northwest has the second highest proportion of disabled people in the UK, and in Greater Manchester alone there are half a million people living with a disability. I’m proud that with our new Wheelyboat we can offer everyone, whatever their ability, the chance to enjoy water sports on Gorton Reservoir, which is something I’ve long been working towards.”

Clare Peacock, carer of James, aged 7, who is a local wheelchair user, said: “James loves water, boats and adventure, so we were thrilled to be invited to the launch of 'Liberty' - an amazing wheelchair accessible boat. It was so much fun to be able to join in with everyone else. We can’t wait to book another boat ride and look forward to visiting on a regular basis.”

Since 1984 The Wheelyboat Trust has enabled thousands of people across the UK to access and enjoy the UK’s waterways like never before. To date, over 228 Wheelyboats have been launched at sailing clubs, SEND schools, fisheries, and other outdoor education centres in all corners of the country, helping make water-based activities on the UK’s inshore waters, lochs, lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals accessible for all.

Bringing ‘Liberty’ to Gorton Reservoir wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support from several individuals and organisations, including the Mather Family Charitable Trust, ALA Green Charitable Trust, Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund, Manchester Outdoor Education Trust, We Love Manchester Charity, Thornton Trust, Manchester Dragoneers and others.

To find out more about The Wheelyboat Trust or to discuss obtaining a Wheelyboat for public or private use, visit www.wheelyboats.org .