LOCAL CHARITY DRIVES FORWARD WITH FUNDING BOOST

An Island charity is to expand and become even more inclusive thanks to a grant from Manx Lottery Trust.

Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled, which offers equestrian activities for people who have restricted physical mobility or are wheelchair bound, raised funds to acquire a strong third pony capable of pulling wheelchair-bound members and heavier weights. However, it needed additional funding to cover the annual expenses of keeping a pony which includes purchasing livery, tack, harnesses, shoeing, therapy, nourishment and treatments.

Following an application to Manx Lottery Trust’s Dormant Assets Fund, the charity has been awarded £8,300 to help cover these costs. This gives it confidence it has the resources it needs to welcome a third strong pony.

Established in 2014 and based at Ballavartyn Equestrian Centre, it offers opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy carriage drives with ponies. All sessions are conducted under the supervision of an experienced carriage driving coach to make sure drivers have fun at the sessions and, most importantly, stay safe.

Martin Sewell, Volunteer Fundraiser at Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled, said: ‘We are very grateful for this grant. It is just what was needed to ensure we can look after a third pony and provide all-important extra capacity, enabling us to be truly inclusive and not have to limit the number of members. Thank you to Manx Lottery Trust for making this possible.

Sarah Kelly, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, said: ‘Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled is a wonderful local charity which offers unique and enjoyable experiences for its members. We were pleased to award this grant which will allow it to expand its offering and increase capacity.’

To find out more about the Manx Lottery Trust Dormant Assets Fund, please visit: www.mlt.org.im/grant-programmes