MAD-Aid gets set to bring back Push the Wight event for wheelchair and mobility scooter users
Isle of Wight-based medical aids collection and redistribution charity MAD-Aid is aiming to bring back a favourite fundraiser – Push The Wight.
Push The Wight was last held in 2014 and involves teams of wheelchair users and able-bodied pushers, together with solo wheelchair and mobility scooter users, tackling a relatively flat course.
The event is planned for mid-summer and its aims are to highlight the challenges wheelchair-users face, as well as to raise money to fund the transport of second-hand medical equipment and mobility aids to hospitals in Moldova and Ukraine.
MAD-Aid saves healthcare settings money – including St Mary’s Hospital, Mountbatten hospice and Isle of Wight care homes – by collecting decommissioned medical equipment free of charge.
This equipment is more usually disposed of commercially in landfill at considerable expense, but instead, MAD-Aid recycles it by transporting it directly to hospitals in Eastern Europe where it is badly needed.
Everyone is welcome to take part in Push The Wight and it is hoped the event will attract people of all ages.
Kate Couch, MAD-Aid’s fundraising manager, said: “Last time Push The Wight was held, teams from several care homes took part, as well as people from Isle of Wight charities and businesses, and there were around 50 wheelchairs and mobility scooters involved.
“Many of those who took part were able-bodied people who wanted to experience the challenges involved in getting around when you have mobility issues.
“We would like anyone who is interested in taking part – or supporting the event in other ways – to give us a call at MAD-Aid on 01983 200648 or email info@mad-aid.org.uk.
“Each articulated lorry full of medical equipment costs between £4,500 and £5,000 to transport from the UK to Eastern Europe, so it would be amazing if Push The Wight could raise enough money to cover the cost of one lorry.
“There are many ways to get involved in Push The Wight – you could take part yourself, or promote the event among your work colleagues and associates, or sponsor one of our entrants for their push, or volunteer to marshal on the day.”
