Launched: Rivertime boat for disabled hits the water

WATCH THE VIDEO (1 available - click to expand)

Video 1

A river-loving couple were relishing their hard work when their custom built boat for the disabled took to the water for the first time on Friday.

Longtime riverside residents Simon and Pat Davis didn't realise what a journey they would go on after they sold up their Rivertime boat business after 15 years and decided to give something back by setting up a charity.

In under two years they have seen their dream of creating a boat offering trips for disabled and disadvanted children and adults, grow from a pipe dream to a hard-nosed reality.

The £150,000 Rivertime boat was lowered into the water at Bushnells Boat yard in Wargrave.

The 42 ft boat was specially designed by Naval Architect Andrew Wolstenholme, specially designed with a lift to lower wheelchair passengers inside, wide open spaces inside for wheelchair users, a disabled toilet and joystick to operate the boat and a hearing loop installed for hearing aid users.

It can hold up to 12 people and can cater for up to four wheelchair users. Boat trips will run along the Middle Thames between Windsor and Oxford.

If you are interested in booking the boat, call 01628 780700. 

Watch the video report of the launch to hear interviews with Pat and Simon Davis and skipper Lucy Herbert.