Bereaved mum volunteers to help people in wheelchairs visit St Andrews beach in memory of son

A trip to the beach is one of life’s simplest pleasures, one which many of us will enjoy with no barriers.

But for those with mobility issues, getting onto the sand can prove problematic.

St Andrews Beach Wheelchairs is one of a growing number of coastal services changing that, helping families make memories to last a lifetime.

For Gill White, volunteering with the service makes her feel close to her late son, who loved the beach.

“Leo loved the sea. He loved the feel of the breeze, he loved the sounds, he would switch off,” said Gill, who became a volunteer after the death of her six-year-old son in 2022.

“You could see it in his face. His tone would relax, and he would just go calm.

“Leo had Ohtahara syndrome. It’s a very rare and complex form of epilepsy.

“He had up to 200 seizures a day, around 50 to 100 was his usual.

“We weren’t able to access the beach with his wheelchair. It was too heavy.

“We actually got our attention drawn to the St Andrews beach wheelchairs, mainly because they had the Nomad chair.”

St Andrews Beach Wheelchairs started in 2018 and since then, has grown from supporting around 200 people a year to more than 1,500.

The service provides a range of off-road wheelchairs that can be moved on the sand, as well as assist those who want to remain in their own chairs.

“We actively see people’s first times on the beach and their last time,” said Gavin Brady from St Andrews Environmental Network.

“We are really sensitive to that.

“It’s incredibly important memories are made, we can just pale into the background to facilitate that.”

Among those benefitting from the project are 100-year-old Elizabeth Smith and Edwina Proudfoot, who are residents at local care home St Andrews House.