Heysham-based SCS Logistics shipped a £10,000 wheelchair-accessible carriage from Dorset to the Isle of Man free of charge recently, to support Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled (MCD4D).
The specially-crafted Phoenix Freedom carriage was donated by Manx Charitable Trust. Group organiser for MCD4D Elizabeth Lillie says the transport for such a carriage would normally have cost them up to £600 but SCS Logistics refused to accept payment.
“The charity approached us with every intention of paying but when we discovered what the carriage was for we were happy to help them,” says SCS MD Sandra Cottam-Shea.
“For the disabled or wheelchair-bound carriage driving is hugely liberating,” says Lillie. “The carriages have ramps at the back to allow wheelchair access, and the seats are removable, with clamps to secure the wheel chair.”
The charity, which runs four driving sessions a month, relies entirely upon donations and volunteers. “The MD of SCS pulled out all the stops to help us, and we are very grateful,” she says.
SCS Logistics is also supporting the ‘One woman at a time’ charity, which aims to eradicate female genital mutilation and improve education prospects for women in African villages, and ‘Wheels for Women’ which raises money to provide motorised rickshaws for Indian women to enable small business growth.
