Clifford on trampa |
ForestMobility is the brainchild of Clifford Hudson, a resident of the Forest Of Dean. A sufferer of childhood polio and a regular buggy user, Clifford wanted others to share the freedom of “walking on wheels” in the wonderful surroundings of this ancient forest.
He had the idea for some time before he was able to act upon it in 2006 and set up a not-for-profit company and the charity as it is now.
With the assistance of a neighbour, Peter Wood, Clifford carried out the groundwork over the winter months of 2005/6. They had difficulty in finding a suitable site to operate from when the first choice base was earmarked for closure at fairly short notice. Luckily the Go Ape! organisation, who are situated at Mallards Pike, now allow us to operate from their base and to store buggies there.
Clifford and his friends tried out potentially suitable buggies and with the assistance of Horizon Mobility identified a rugged, long-range buggy - the Ventura - as being the most suitable for our needs. The first two buggies arrived in June 2007 just as the bad weather started! After some tough trial runs the organisation opened for business with the first client arriving 14th July 2007.
In our first operational year, (or part year!) we have had a large number of customers with a wide variety of problems. These problems include cerebral palsey, a variety of degenerative diseases, arthritis and emphysema. People with short-term problems have also benefited from the freedom that “walking on wheels” brings.
Links:
Chris on bridge at Mallards Pike
