SOLDIERS and civilian staff from Weymouth’s bridging camp have given a buoyant boost to a charity that enables disabled people to experience the thrill of the sea.

Commandant of Wyke Regis Training Area, Major Ian Drummond and a contingent from the Wyke Regis Training Area (WRTA) handed over six lifejackets to the MV Freedom on the completion of the camp’s annual charity fundraising period.

Royal Engineers, Civil Servants and contracted staff organised and took part in a variety of events throughout the year including an auction, barbecue and quiz with all profits contributing to the cause.

The money raised has been used to purchase the much-needed safety equipment for the local charity that Commandant WRTA Major Ian Drummond said provides a ‘fantastic seaborne experience to many who could not normally take part’.

He added: “We are part of the community and we all take great pride in being able to help-out with local organisations.

“The MV Freedom was chosen by us all last year, due to the unique service they provide and it has been a pleasure to be able to deliver the lifejackets on time and ready for use in this season – a big pat on the back for our charity coordinator, Barry Friendship for a job well done.

“Good luck to the MV Freedom and all those who sail in her.”

Major Drummond said the WRTA’s two charities for its next batch of fundraising were the Weymouth Community Volunteers and the Portland unit of the St John Ambulance.

MV Freedom is a boat for the disabled, having full wheelchair access approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Health and Safety Executive.

Chairman of the charity, Jenie Jackson said: “It’s wonderful to have the support of the bridging camp, they’re a nice bunch of guys.

“We wouldn’t be able to run without donations, simple as that. We take anybody with any disability of any type on trips down the Jurassic Coast for a picnic and a little bit of fishing.

“We have a buddy system for those who can’t hold a rod.

“It’s hugely popular, we can take 12 at a time on trips and we’re almost fully booked this summer already.

“We’re all volunteers and we all say we get paid in smiles.”

To make a booking for MV Freedom or to find out more contact Jenie Jackson on 07974 266867.

Rolling out the barrel THE MV Freedom charity is currently fundraising to buy a new boat with improved facilities for its disabled passengers.

On the wish-list are toilets wide enough to fit a wheelchair in, a racking system on the deck and a bigger saloon so trips can still be made on rainy and cold days.

A charity fundraiser will be contributing to the cause later this year when teams of four take part in a Barrel Challenge.

Run by the Kings Arms in Weymouth, the challenge on September 17 and 18 involves a trek across Dartmoor and then attempts by participants to return to the borough ‘by any means necessary.’ Challengers will then roll their barrels through the town and along the harbourside for a victorious finish.

Find out more or get involved by calling the Kings Arms in Trinity Road on 01305 770055.