Business partners bring Waterwheels to Torbay

A new boating experience is being launched in the Bay after a remarkable sponsored walk and 'poignant moment' on  Shaldon Bridge!

Russell Smart, a director of Wetwheels Torbay, completed the 155-mile walk on Saturday, raising an impressive £10,500 for the community interest company.

He said: "Funds will contribute to the running costs of the new boat which is currently in construction by Cheetah Catamaran on the Isle of Wight."

He personally visited the factory to witness the boat's progress before embarking on his journey along the entire coastline in driving rain to MDL Marina in Torquay, from where the boat will operate.

In an especially poignant moment, Russell was greeted four miles from the finish line at Shaldon Bridge by his long-standing friend and business partner James Ashton who is suffering from Motor Neurone Disease.  James is the principal funder of the new Wetwheels boat.

Russell gave a heartfelt thank you to all the supporters who backed his fundraising endeavours and cheered him on at the finish line in the rain with special mentions to Torquay Watersports, Torbay Mayor Mark Spacagna and Denise Clark from Be Happy At Home.

He is keen to ensure fundraising efforts continue to cover the ongoing operational expenses of the non-profit enterprise.

The Wetwheels Torbay boat has been fully funded by James, who lives in Teignmouth.  Always loving the sea from a young age, he was looking to enjoying some time afloat from his boat in Torquay Marina after he retired.  Unfortunately the month after retirement he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and now needs 24/7 care from two carers and is permanently attached to a ventilator to keep him breathing. He can't move any muscles and can only communicate with an eye gaze computer. 

His desire was to leave a legacy so others, not ordinarily able to access the sea by boat through illness or disability could enjoy the immense pleasure it brings.

With the support of his wife, Joanna and his two teenage boys, Sam and Monty, he decided to donate funds to enable a new build for Wetwheels to be located in Torbay.  The boat will service all of Devon, East Cornwall, Dorset and beyond.

Wetwheels foundation was founded by disabled yachtsman Geoff Holt and the Torbay boat will be the 8th boat in their fleet. It provides the opportunity for all disabled people, including those with profound and complex disabilities, to access the sea in a safe, stimulating and rewarding way on board a specially-built, fully-accessible powerboat, building the confidence and improving the physical and mental wellbeing of participants.

The CIC is also on the lookout for volunteers for fundraising and crew. Anyone interested can contact Michelle at info@wetwheelstorbay.co.uk

The boat is expected to arrive in the next few weeks.