MORE CARRIAGE DRIVING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MANX RESIDENTS

Manx Lottery Trust has awarded funding to Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled (MCD4D) so it can extend its services and provide more drives to deserving residents.

The grants, which total £26,250, will enable MCD4D to offer more driving opportunities on more days per week, so more members, and new members, can enjoy and obtain lasting benefits from carriage driving.

MCD4D offer equestrian services for people with limiting disabilities to enjoy carriage driving.

The charity aims to offer their range of services to around six local charities, for four members monthly, and for two more on a less structured basis. The extension of services involves incurring hire fees, consumables, extra equipment, and materials to meet the exacting standards required by MCD4D and the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA).

Part of the funding has also been used to purchase, and care for a strong pony, needed to pull a carriage with pneumatic tyres. Drivers will then experience a smoother ride, which is particularly important for those restricted in movement and with mobility issues.

The Volunteers and Drivers of MCD4D, said: ‘As part of this initiative, we recently welcomed Heroes on the Water, who enjoyed their first carriage driving experience with us. We’re now looking forward to welcoming more charities and individuals to be able to experience what carriage driving can offer.

‘We’d like to say a huge thank you to the Manx Lottery Trust for their valuable support, which we could not continue our services without. This funding will allow even more of the community to be able to experience carriage driving, which will undoubtedly improve the wellbeing of so many local users.’

Stephen Turner, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, said: ‘We’re pleased to support Manx Carriage Driving 4 Disabled with the funding it needs to grow its services. It provides multiple benefits to the community, and it’s clear to see that its members thoroughly enjoy the experience.’

These grants are from programmes part of the Manx Lottery Trust grant scheme. Manx Lottery Trust has been delegated to distribute National Lottery money from The National Lottery Community Fund. To find out more, visit: www.mlt.org.im