Race to save adventure centre for disabled people

Molly, pictured with her brother Stan, said she had made lifelong friends at the adventure centre which is facing closure

An outdoor adventure centre for people with disabilities in Devon is at risk of closure due to a lack of funds, according to trustees.

Calvert Exmoor has offered activities for people with physical, learning, behavioural and sensory disabilities for about 30 years.

But the charity said it was at risk of permanent closure if it was unable to raise £500,000 by 31 August.

Chris Gregson, chairman of the trustees, said the centre was facing a "tragedy" as the charity was likely to "run out of cash".

An outdoor activity centre, which helps people with disabilities experience activities like abseiling and zip-lining, needs to raise £500,000 by September.

The adventure charity has specialist equipment and offers activities such as abseiling, zip-lining and canoeing.

It said running costs had "risen sharply due to inflation", with food, fuel, maintenance and wages all becoming more expensive.

A decline in tourism has also dealt a blow to the charity's finances, it added.

The charity warned: "We have hit the point where we must decide - close the centre or find a way to bridge the winter season."

The Charity Commission confirmed the trust had filed a "serious incident report relating to its financial situation".

"We issued guidance on managing financial difficulties and are assured that trustees are taking steps to appropriately deal with the situation," it said.

'Promotes independence'

Molly Everitt, 21, from Devon, who has spinal muscular atrophy, said she would be saddened if the centre shut.

"I have made lifelong friends and have been able to try things that I can’t anywhere else," she said.

"The Calvert Trust isn't just a weekend away, it promotes independence and gives a real sense of achievement after a stay there."

Mr Gregson explained a reduction in bookings in the autumn, cost of living pressures and government "cutbacks" had all contributed to the shortfall.

"Quite simply we are likely to run out of cash in the next couple of months without some help, which would be a tragedy for the centre," he said.

"We all know how hard the public purse has been hit and there is just less funding available for people with disabilities."

The BBC has contacted Devon County Council for comment.