Disabled sailing school receives £50,000 donation

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.