Peter Ashley Activity Centres launch fundraising appeal to secure charity's future

Peter Ashley Activity Centres, is a registered charity enabling a wide range of sports and activities, is based from Fort Widley and Fort Purbrook.

Due to government guidance and the close nature of activities offered, March 20 was a sad day for the charity as both forts immediately closed the gates to members of the public.

This saw all horse riding, activity and residential bookings suspended with immediate effect.

‘What would normally be the beginning of a very busy summer period for both centres, seeing around 750 people a week, instead (sees) both forts stand empty,’ said the charity said in a statement.

‘No one can predict when we will reopen the gates, but when we do, we will be approaching our winter season – meaning the recovery for the charity will be more challenging.

‘As a registered charity we rely heavily on our income from the horseriding, the outdoor activities and residentials we provide and so we are asking for your help at this challenging time.’

Volunteers from Solent Riding for the Disabled Association, which began offering sessions from Peter Ashley Activity Centres’ Fort Widley earlier this year, wanted to help keep the horses fed and looked after while the centre is closed.

After conversations about how this situation has affected the charity, the association donated more than £850 to keep it going while they cannot offer sessions there.

The sessions have been a success and many new faces have been welcomed to the centre, not only the staff but volunteers and clients.

Shirley Harris, chairman, said: ‘We are all hoping to be able to provide our very worthwhile sessions again, but in the meantime, the 31 horses and ponies still have to be fed and looked after and there is no income to provide for this.

‘Our wonderful volunteers soon went into action to help out with these costs, and in the hope that all will be well at Fort Widley by the time we can get back to riding.’

Visit crowdfunder.co.uk/paact for more information about the opportunity to pre-book package experiences or donate funds.

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