WE are on our way – that is the message from bosses of the Wetwheels Hamble Project after more than £2,000 was raised in the first week of their appeal.

Hampshire-based Wetwheels Solent, headed by quadriplegic sailor Geoff Holt MBE, is looking to raise £65,000 to fund a new boat that will be based in Hamble.

Since the Daily Echo-backed appeal was launched in style at the Royal Southern Yacht Club, where the boat will be based, generous donors have dug deep into their pockets to help the project.

It is hoped the new vessel will take at least 800 disabled people out on to the water each year to give them the adrenaline rush of power boating.

Geoff Holt is already hopeful that the generous support of residents, businesses and the wider community could see the project reach its target quicker than expected.

The Wetwheels Hamble project will cost a total of £155,000, and before the campaign was launched £70,000 in cash and products had been raised towards it.

Geoff, said: “The first Daily Echo article generated a huge amount of goodwill and we had several people on the day come up to us and say they would like to help out with fundraising events and more importantly they are going to tell their friends and family what we are doing.”

“The feedback from our launch week is very positive, everyone was very supportive especially Eastleigh MP Mims Davies and Hamble councillor Suzy Hamel.

“Since the event we had £2,000 worth of donations from individuals and trusts, if it continues like that we can reach our target in a good six months.”

The charity currently operates two 30ft vessels, one in Portsmouth, the other in Jersey. Each year, more than 2,500 people use have the opportunity to get afloat on a Wetwheels catamaran.

  • To find out more or donate: campaign.justgiving.com/charity/wetwheelsfoundation/hamble, or wetwheels.co.uk.