Reception with HRH The Princess Royal

We were delighted to welcome Wetwheels Patron, HRH The Princess Royal to Mansion House, to celebrate our latest achievements and to look ahead.

Founder and Trustee Geoff Holt MBE DL, with Chair Andy Fell, hosted friends from across the country who came together for this special event. Her Royal Highness enjoyed meeting those who have been so important in achieving our aims over the past 11 years, as well as looking to the future.

Geoff said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many from across the community to share our incredible progress as an organisation, to exchange stories, and to discuss our future plans.

Providing barrier-free access to many who have never been on the water, and who through the pandemic have suffered anguish and sadness, depression and isolation, has been incredibly important. This year has seen us fully operational, and we wanted to celebrate - for so many, coming on one of our boats with friends and family is something truly magical.

We are also delighted to formally announce our next target locations, Wetwheels Wales and Wetwheels East. We will require support and funding for both and that hard work starts now. As with our recent new locations in Edinburgh and Torbay, we have proven that our supporters share are commitment to reaching more people, and to achieve what can initially seem like impossible dreams.”

Speakers included Anita and Wendy, Mothers to Samuel and Bob. They shared their moving story and what Wetwheels means to them and their families - it is families like these, who truly inspire us every day, to do more.

The Foundation would like to extend our thanks to them both - listening to them, we were struck by their dedication and the incredible love and care they provide for their sons, who despite their many challenges, are independent of mind and spirit. As such, Wetwheels has provided so many unforgettable moments. 

May we also extend our thanks to all those who worked so hard to help make this event such a success, including The Lord Mayor of the City of London and the team at Mansion House, and all those who overcame the travel problems to join us.