Willow Trust - Fun & Freedom for disabled people on the water

• Local Offer

The aim of the Willow Trust is to provide a unique opportunity for people of all ages with a disability or serious illness to enjoy a therapeutic day out on the water.

Each year up to 7,000 children and adults with disabilities and serious illnesses spend a day on board our two fully wheelchair accessible broad-beamed boats on the Gloucester-Sharpness Canal.

Both boats, Spirit of Freedom II and Leonard Matchan, were purpose built for the Willow Trust and give children and adults with disabilities a day of freedom they never dreamt possible. 

Once on board, facilities include:

• ​Wheelchair access to all areas of the boat

• A lift to the wheelhouse which can accommodate even the largest wheelchairs

• An adjustable steering unit so that all our guests can take a turn at the helm

• A spacious foredeck to sit out and enjoy the fresh air 

• Low windows for wonderful views of the countryside, water and its wildlife

• Central heating for the cooler days

• A hearing loop throughout the boats

• A toilet with electric hoist and changing bed

• Tea, coffee, squash and biscuits

There are no barriers to entry - Both boats are designed so that anybody of any age

with any disability or serious illness can spend a day on board with us.

AND NOBODY PAYS - IT'S COMPLETELY FREE OF CHARGE