Our amazing 19 year old daughter who had spina bifida and hydrocephalus sadly died suddenly on 22 Sept 2016 of an infection which had escalated into sepsis.We, her mum and dad, were with her as she slipped away peacefully.

Victoria touched so many people with her infectious smile, positive outlook and caring attitude that we are beginning to see what a difference she made to so many, who are inspired by her joy in life despite all the care needs and operations she faced. 

Being a wheelchair user all her life, she was especially excited by the chance to be in or on water (or in the air- plane, helicopter, cable car) as she must have felt a freedom she would not have had on dry land. She loved swimming and over the years we bundled her in and out of punts, rowing boats, passenger ferries and friends' 'yachts and she had begun sailing with a Sailability group.  But as a young adult in a wheelchair, the options were decreasing, so when we discovered the Wareham Wheelyboat whilst on holiday in June this year, we gave it a go. And we let her drive it! Under the close supervision of her dad we had a rather Mario Cart ride but we were all very impressed with the ease with which a wheelchair user could access the boat and actually drive it.

Therefore we would like to help the Trust provide another boat somewhere. The latest one needing funding is at Weir Wood reservoir in Surrey near Lingfield being funded jointly with Young Epilepsy.

Thank you for helping more wheelchair users enjoy being on the water- Victoria would be delighted!