Peak District off-road wheelchair returns to the trails after more than 200 donations

Community crowdfunding, guest donations and support from the Longcliffe Community Fund have helped Hoe Grange Holidays repair its Boma off-road wheelchair, which is now available to holiday guests, local residents and other Peak District visitors.

An off-road wheelchair used to explore Peak District trails for more than 13 years is back in action near Brassington after a community-backed fundraising campaign paid for a major refurbishment.

The Boma 7 all-terrain wheelchair belongs to family-run Hoe Grange Holidays, near Brassington in Derbyshire. Designed to tackle grass, gravel, farm tracks, hills and rougher countryside terrain, it enables people with limited mobility to enjoy countryside adventures alongside family and friends.

After years of use, the Boma's ageing electrical system needed a major refit. With the cost of refurbishment approaching £10,000, Hoe Grange committed around half of the cost itself and launched a crowdfunding campaign to help bridge the gap.

More than 200 donations were made through the crowdfunding campaign, with even more Hoe Grange guests choosing to contribute when booking their stay. The appeal also received generous support from the Longcliffe Community Fund.

The refurbishment is now complete and the Boma is back at Hoe Grange, ready for adventures once again.

Paul Boustead, Longcliffe Quarries Ltd Group Managing Director said: “Longcliffe is pleased to have supported the refurbishment of Hoe Grange Holidays’ Boma off-road wheelchair. It’s a great example of a local project with a wider impact, helping people with limited mobility enjoy the Derbyshire countryside and benefiting local residents as well as visitors to the area. We’re delighted to see the Boma repaired and back in use.”

More than a piece of equipment

For the Brown family at Hoe Grange, getting the Boma back in action means much more than repairing a machine.

The Boma can tackle terrain that would be difficult or impossible in a standard wheelchair or mobility scooter, giving users the chance to head out across the farm, explore the nearby High Peak Trail and take on more adventurous local routes.

Caroline Brown of Hoe Grange Holidays said: “Seeing the Boma back in action again means such a lot to us.

“When we launched the appeal, we knew how much the Boma meant to the people who had used it over the years, but the response was incredible. More than 200 donations came through our crowdfunding campaign, and many of our guests added a donation when booking their holiday. Together with the generous support of the Longcliffe Community Fund, it all added up to make this repair possible.

“For many wheelchair users and people with limited mobility, simply heading out for a countryside walk with family and friends is still far from straightforward.

“The Boma helps change that. It allows people to join family and friends on a walk, cross a field instead of stopping where the pavement ends, and head out together for a proper countryside adventure.”

“It's not just a bit of kit. It's a key to independence, adventure and joy.

“We're incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, shared our campaign and helped us get the Boma back where it belongs.”

Available to visitors and local people

Importantly, people do not have to be staying at Hoe Grange to use the Boma.

Hoe Grange has always subsidised Boma hire for its holiday guests to keep it as affordable as possible. Guest hire currently costs £35 for a half day or £55 for a full day.

Guests can add Boma hire when making their online holiday booking and receive a full familiarisation and safety briefing before setting off.

Local residents and other Peak District visitors can hire the Boma without staying at Hoe Grange, subject to availability. They should contact Hoe Grange directly to discuss where and when they would like to use it and any transfer or other practical requirements.

Hoe Grange currently has one Boma, so advance booking is recommended.

For information about Boma hire, suitability and local routes, visit the Hoe Grange Holidays website or contact the team on 01629 540262 or info@hoegrangeholidays.co.uk.