The funding will go towards a two-year programme teaching disabled people over 50 how to sail

A disabled sailing school in Cornwall has

received a £50,000 donation from Age UK to help fund its training programme.









The Mylor Sailing School is the first

centre of its kind in the area and aims to make sailing accessible for people

of all ages with disabilities.









Age UK have put the money towards a

two-year programme that will teach disabled people over 50 how to sail.









The generous donation will help fund

instruction, powerboat costs and marketing, as well as training for volunteers

who will help with the project.



Mylor Sailing School owner Tracey Boyne

told the West Briton: “We are all a bit blown away. I’m a bit anxious because

it’s a very large amount of money and we want to spend it well.









“This is something I’ve been working

towards for a long time.”









Ms Boyne is hoping to “get some of the less

able and lonely people out of their houses”.









“If they don’t have much mental or physical

ability it will just be a nice experience for them,” she added.









The funds from Age UK come after a number

of smaller donations by local businesses, charities and a marathon runner.









The centre, which opened earlier this year,

had previously bid for a £120,000 grant from Sport England but was sadly

rejected.









Mylor Sailing School is holding an open day

on 2 July for the Age UK project, which will include one-hour sailing taster

sessions. Contact 01872 266388 or sailability@ageukcornwall.org.uk

for bookings.

Image credit: Mylor Sailing School