Our Story
Nairn Beach Wheelchairs was founded in 2023 when the mother of young girl who loved to run, who loved the beach, saw a joy her daughter’s life she could no longer enjoy. Not because the beach and sea were gone, not because she could no longer see them but because a barrier existed blocking her wheelchair from being able to be on that beach.
At the same time a daughter saw her mother blocked from accessing the beach and the sea she loved so much. They combined forces with a group of volunteers and said nothing would block them anymore!
Beth was diagnosed with ataxia at age thirteen, a neurological condition characterized by a loss of muscle control, balance, and coordination affecting speech, eye movement, and walking.
By age fourteen she was in a wheelchair full time. Her mother Amelia was not going to let this stop her daughter enjoying the beach she loved so dearly.
Elsewhere in Nairnshire Jane was facing her own changes in circumstances. Following surgery Jane's mother Margaret Anne was seeing Nairn from the seat of a wheelchair and missing her much loved beach. Jane would not let anything stand in her way to break down this barrier.
Once Amelia and Jane got together there was no stopping them. Our story is one of a mother's love, a daughter's love, friendship and a communities kindness spreading wide.
Taking inspiration from Loch Garten Nature Reserve and Dornoch beach wheelchairs Beth, Amelia, Jane, Margaret Anne, Gavin, Mary, Linda and Nicola the founding members of Nairn Beach Wheelchairs brought beach wheelchairs to Nairn beach. Now thousands of people, locals and visitors alike can enjoy Nairn beach, some for the very first time despite living in Nairn all their lives. Some for the first time in decades, they can all do this because of Beth, Margaret Anne, the volunteers and the supporters of Nairn Beach Wheelchairs.
If you would like to be part of our story you can do so by donating your time, resources or finances to aid us below.