A Lossiemouth charity that offers disabled people the chance to take to the waves has received a funding boost.
An award of £100,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund means that Friendly Access (SCIO) will be able to expand their specialised programme of adaptive surf and swim group sessions for young people with hidden or physical disabilities.
Previously, the charity has helped 12-year-old Daniel Strong use an adapted surfboard to glide over the currents after he was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain tumour.
The partially blind Elgin High School pupil, who had to undergo physiotherapy to learn to walk again, was inspired to make surfing his hobby after a “brilliant” session with Friendly Access in 2017.
Last year the charity also encouraged 72-year-old Moray grandmother Anne-Marie Walker to the waves for the first time, after two broken discs in her necks hampered her mobility.
The charity’s funding boost means the group will increase the number of locations they work in across Moray and Aberdeenshire.
Glyn Morris, chief executive of Friendly Access, said: “We are hugely delighted and indebted with the recognition received from The National Lottery Community Fund.
“We are very proud of our SurfAble and SwimAble Scotland projects and equally of our surf and swim athletes and volunteers who have supported and placed their trust in us.
“Based in north-east Scotland and serving everyone regardless of disability or condition, we are Scotland’s only adaptive surf school which, as it happens, is also delivering the world’s most northerly surf therapy programme.
“I’m just so excited for the team and all involved as we now find ourselves in very privileged position and capable of reaching our full potential.”
Announcing the funding, Maureen McGinn, The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland chairwoman, said: “Congratulations to the nine groups benefitting from £881,107 of National Lottery funding today.
“Among these one gives young people a chance to learn new skills and enjoy the exhilaration of being in the water.
“We are proud to be able to support work like this thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.”
