Mobility aid service greatly needed - volunteers

A service providing mobility aids to people said there was "a great need" for the equipment, after a local British Red Cross service stopped operating.

The Cambridge Mobility Aids branch shut in August and former volunteers set up a replacement service.

CB Mobility Support operates from Great Shelford rugby club, south of the city, using start-up grants, donations and its own money.

"We know there's a great need for this equipment and there's nowhere else that's able to provide it," said Gaynor Farrant, one of the founders.

The organisation offers aids including wheelchairs, crutches and commodes to rent or buy for a low cost.

Ms Farrant said the service was "about helping people who have mobility needs and the equipment they might need having had operations or accidents".

"We're here as a non-profit making organisation to cover these needs," she said.

Jo Hutchings, who also works for the service, said finding funding and premises had been "very challenging... but it's taking off, slowly but surely".

David Farrant, another founder, said when the Red Cross announced its city service was closing, many clients expressed concerns about the gap that would leave.

Clive MacTavish, from British Red Cross, said for more than a century its wheelchairs had been helping people maintain independence.

"We are proud to continue this legacy with a nationwide home delivery service that means anyone, anywhere can get a wheelchair when they need one," he said.

"We moved to our new direct delivery service in June 2024 and we wish the project in Cambridgeshire all the best in their work to support people in the local area."

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