Community rallies behind beach wheelchair scheme after vandalism sparks public outrage

Two specialist tyres and an arm were taken from the chair on Tuesday 26 May, causing around £600 worth of damage. The incident wiped out the equivalent of all donations received for the scheme last year.

The damaged chair forms part of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority’s wider Outdoor Mobility project, which helps people with mobility challenges access beaches, coastal paths and outdoor spaces across the National Park.

Since launching in 2007 with Welsh Government funding, the beach wheelchair scheme has relied on a network of local businesses, cafés and activity centres to host the equipment across Pembrokeshire. This local presence, combined with generous public donations of both funding and equipment, keeps these specialist mobility aids available right where they can make the biggest difference.

The impact of the project is simple but profound: it gives people access to moments they would otherwise miss. For some, that means joining family on the beach instead of watching from the edge. For others, it means returning to the sea after years away or spending precious time in a much-loved coastal place during end-of-life care. In 2025 alone, the beach wheelchairs were used more than 900 times.

The appeal aims to turn the damage caused in Saundersfoot into something positive for the whole project. While around £600 is needed to repair the vandalised chair, the wider £15,000 target would help replace vital equipment, improve secure storage and open up more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy Pembrokeshire’s coastline.

Katie Macro, Director of the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust, said: “What has stood out over the last few days is how strongly people feel about this service. The anger at what happened in Saundersfoot has been matched by real kindness, with so many people asking how they can help.

“We do not want this incident to be the story people remember. We want the story to be that the community came together and helped create better access to the coast for more people – and every donation will help us take that next step.”

A temporary beach wheelchair has been made available at Saundersfoot while arrangements are made to repair the damaged chair, helping to keep the service running for people who need it.

The incident has been reported to Dyfed-Powys Police, and CCTV footage is being reviewed. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Donations to the appeal can be made through the Pembrokeshire Coast Charitable Trust’s JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/pembrokeshirebeachwheelchairs.