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