The Willow Trust is a charity that offers freedom for the disabled on the water by providing days out for children and adults with learning and physical disabilities and those who are seriously ill.
The Trust has two boats based at Saul Junction, and guests can enjoy the excitement of adventure and the therapy of tranquility in beautiful surroundings - all travelling totally free of charge.
The Two Spirits
The Willow Trust's first boat, Spirit of Freedom, started operating on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal in 1991 from a base at the Castle just above Parkend Bridge. She was joined by Spirit of Freedom II in 1993, and the two boats then were based at Saul Junction.
Facilities
Both boats were specially built to take up to 30 people with the severest disabilities. They are both fully wheelchair accessible, and facilities include hydraulic lifts, disabled toilets, large windows, central heating and full safety equipment.
Leonard Matchan
In September 2003, the original Spirit of Freedom was replaced by a new boat named Leonard Matchan after the charitable trust that made a major donation towards the cost. The naming ceremony was carried out by Cmdr Cree, captain of HMS Gloucester, and the boat was blessed by the Ven. Hedley Ringrose, archdeacon of Cheltenham.
Operation
Each boat is worked by a qualified full-time skipper and three volunteer helpers. Each year they carry around 7,000 disabled and seriously ill people and their carers on cruises lasting from about 10am to 3pm. Tea, coffee and squash are provided, and guests are asked to bring their own packed lunches.
As Enable My Trip is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation we rely solely on donations and fund raising to keep our services truly free for users and providers. We are not a travel agent or trip organiser; You will need to contact the provider(s) directly to make reservations.
We strive to ensure that the details we publish on our website are as accurate as possible. If you learn of further information of interest to other users of our website then please get in touch. Please use our 'Personal Profile' form when making enquiries to accommodation providers. It has been designed to minimise any service failures on their part.
