Trust boat for Paralympics

THE Hungerford-based Bruce Trust which provides holidays for disabled people on the Kennet & Avon Canal is sending one of its boats on an 82 miles  journey to provide accommodation at the Paralympics for disabled visitors.

The Bruce Trust is dispatching Diana, one of its four specially-designed, purpose-built, wide-beam canal boats, at 11.30am on Saturday 18th August from Great Bedwyn Wharf.

Princess of Wales

Diana, named in memory of the late Princess of Wales, will be crewed during the first day of her adventure by members of Hungerford Rotary Club who are also offering a day trip to Hungerford to members of ‘Contact the Elderly'.

During the journey, Diana will be crewed by various Rotary Club members, and will be welcomed by the mayors of the towns through where she passes, offering day trips along the way.

Opening ceremony

Moorings along the way are being provided by the Canal & River Trust, and she will eventually arrive at her moorings by the Olympic Stadium in time for the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympics on Wednesday 29th August.

Bruce Trust volunteers will man the boat throughout the Games and a wide range of charities for disabled people have been invited to apply for low cost accommodation and entry tickets to the Paralympics. Charges are just £25 per night per person and Diana can accommodate up to 10 people including carers per night.

Once-in-a-lifetime

Trust founder, David Bruce, explained:

"This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only attend the Paralympics but also to stay on one of our special boats in a unique location. Diana is fully equipped and accessible for disabled visitors, and we are only a few minutes wheelchair ride away from the main Olympic Stadium."