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ACCESSIBLE BOAT TRIPS - FUND RAISING BY SHIRLEY MATTHEWS.

Shirley has supported the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales since the 1980s and has been volunteering on Skomer, and later Skokholm, since 1990. Over the years, she has contributed in many capacities, serving as a Trustee for nine years, Chair of the Local Groups Forum for six years, and most recently as Chair of the Friends of Skokholm and Skomer. Since 2010, she has supported Skokholm’s rebuilding project by cooking for volunteer work parties and continues to assist regularly.

The islands have provided some of the most memorable experiences of her life, from close encounters with wildlife to lifelong friendships and a deep appreciation of these unique and remarkable environments.

Her professional career was largely dedicated to supporting and advocating for people with disabilities. Now living with a disabling back condition herself, she remains passionate about improving access to nature for everyone. This commitment has included supporting accessible wildlife boat trips run by the Wildlife Trust and Dale Sailing, enabling people who cannot land on the islands to experience their wildlife and scenery. These trips are consistently oversubscribed and have had an overwhelmingly positive impact on participants.

To help expand opportunities for accessible access to nature, Shirley will undertake a sponsored walk around five Wildlife Trust reserves—Cors Caron, Teifi Marshes, Llangloffan Fen, Parc Slip and Goodwick Moor—during the week beginning 6 July, using her rollator. Funds raised will be ring-fenced through the Friends of Skokholm and Skomer to support additional accessible boat trips and other projects that improve access to the islands. 

Her goal is to raise at least £750, and every donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference.

Through this challenge, she hopes to help ensure that more people can experience and connect with these remarkable islands and their wildlife.

A link to Shirleys's Just giving is below.