Thank you from Wetwheels Hamble CIC

The Shipwrights’ Company has proudly supported Wetwheels in 2024 and we were delighted to receive the following message from Ted Hill MBE, Director & Chair of Wetwheels Hamble CIC:

Thank you

I am writing to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous support throughout 2024. Your contribution has played an invaluable role in enabling Wetwheels Hamble to provide more opportunities for people to experience the joy of being afloat, regardless of their abilities. 

This year, thanks to your funding, Wetwheels Hamble has been able to make a significant impact. Between October 2023 and September 2024, we conducted 300 trips (an increase from 275 the previous year), serving 2,362 participants, of which 1,080 were first-time passengers. We also provided unique opportunities for 308 wheelchair users and 694 disabled ambulant participants. The diversity of our age groups remains impressive. 

We are still running some trips in October i.e. Halloween for our younger guests and Remembrance in November but essentially the season is over. During the winter we will be conducting necessary repairs & maintenance and recruiting & training our volunteers.

Moreover, we are proud to share that Wetwheels Hamble has been nationally recognised as a finalist in two categories—Small Charity of the Year and Volunteer Team of the Year—at the prestigious Third Sector Awards. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and the profound impact of our work, which would not be possible without the support of organisations like yours. 

Our trips continue to inspire and bring joy to participants of all ages and abilities. From serene river cruises to open water adventures, each experience is tailored to create lasting memories. Whether it’s the sparkle in the eyes of a participant recalling past adventures or the unique opportunity for entire families to enjoy the experience together, we hear time and again how transformative these moments are. 

Feedback from our guests continues to move us deeply. As one participant’s husband whose wife has dementia shared, “Your trips bring back her memories. Thank you for giving me my wife back for an hour or so.” Another commented, “The single most powerful thing about Wetwheels Hamble is that it’s the ONLY activity a family with a disabled member can undertake together.” 

These stories underscore the importance of our mission and the life-changing experiences we provide. With your support, we continue to make a difference and create inclusive, unforgettable experiences for families across the region. 

Thank you once again for your generosity and belief in the work we do. We look forward to continuing this important journey together and sharing more successes in the future. 

Our offer remains open to join us on one of our trips and I look forward to hearing from you

Kind Regards, 

Ted

 Ted Hill MBE, Director & Chair Wetwheels Hamble CIC 

Have a look at the Wetwheels website at: www.wetwheelshamble.co.uk