GM4X

North Lanarkshire Council – Supporting all Young People to Reach their Potential

Sami Ullah — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 09:35:58 +0000

Following a recent request from the ASN sector for the purchase of a Paratreker to support pupils with mobility issues across the authority we were only too pleased to assist and we are delighted to share some of the pictures from recent events. Pupils from Firpark Secondary recently climbed Tinto Hill in May to raise money for St. Andrew’s Hospice. As a direct result of the paratrekers the S12 & S2 event was inclusive of all abilities.

Find out how the Paratreker is making an impact in the Yorkshire Dales

Sami Ullah — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 06:27:26 +0000

Find out how the Paratreker is making an impact in the Yorkshire Dales

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The Paratreker Trail, all-terrain wheelchair can now be borrowed from a Yorkshire charity hub, creating opportunities for children with disabilities to experience the thrill of summiting a hill or navigating rough terrain.

The Paratreker is based at Ravenseat Farm, home of The Yorkshire Shepherdess, Amanda Owen, and patron of Access the Dales, the charity behind the initiative. The hub, which opened earlier this month during a week-long festival to promote access to the Dales, is aimed specifically at children with mobility issues. It is one of five similar centres run by the charity in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Debbie North, the driving force behind Access the Dales, was delighted when over 200 people attended the festival, giving children the chance to try out the Paratreker and spend time with their families on the hills. She said: “It was amazing just to see people get that wonder moment when they experience the 360-degree views and say, ‘I’ve done it, I’m here.’”

Debbie speaks from first-hand experience. The blogger, motivational speaker and keen hillwalker, became a wheelchair user when she was diagnosed with spinal degeneration in 2011. With the support of her late husband Andy and their combined determination she continued to explore the outdoors in an all-terrain wheelchair and began to promote and facilitate access for all to the Yorkshire countryside she is so passionate about. On one of her first wheelchair adventures, Debbie recalled the exhilaration she experienced getting to the top of Gordale Scar. “I cried – tears of joy – that I had done it and that’s what I want Access the Dales to be able to do.”

When Andy sadly passed away after a short illness in 2021, Debbie resolved to continue the work they had started, gaining charity status for Access the Dales. A total of 14 all-terrain wheelchairs, including the Paratreker, are now available for loan across the five hubs.

The Paratreker purchase was made possible with the assistance of a grant from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, helping to make outdoor experiences a reality for children in the Upper Swaledale location. Perfect for country paths, tracks and trails, the non-motorised wheelchair is easy to navigate with little effort and extremely comfortable for the user, enabling families to have lots of fun together in the outdoors.

Debbie explained that as some individuals are unable to operate a motorised scooter, the Paratreker is an important addition to the diverse wheelchair fleet. “One size doesn’t fit all,” she says, “It [the Paratreker] is very sturdy and can be pushed easily by one or two people and it also has straps on the front for someone to pull. It means people who have no manual dexterity whatsoever can still enjoy the experience on the fells.”

While the Ravenseat hub is focused on providing access to the outdoors for children with limited mobility, other Access the Dales locations aim to meet the needs of a wider audience and have a variety of wheelchair styles for loan to suit the terrain of the surrounding area and user requirements.

Gordon McGregor, Paratreker managing director, said: “The work Debbie and Access the Dales are doing is ground-breaking.

“By introducing different types of all-terrain wheelchairs to the hubs, access to the outdoors is made possible for a wide range of people with disabilities.

“We are delighted that the Paratreker is part of the range.

“Judging by the attendance and reactions at the festival, I think the project will be a huge success.”

Debbie said: “We would love to have more Paratrekers.

“Seeing the joy on some of the kids faces that have been out and about has been marvellous.”

“I have been contacted by a kids hospice to get children out onto the fells which would be absolutely amazing and that’s when the Paratreker comes into its own.”

In the spirit of access for all, the charity does not want money to be an obstacle, so there is no charge to borrow a wheelchair from any of the five charity hubs. However, donations can be made through the website, with all proceeds going towards the running costs of the charity.

The Paratreker at Ravenseat hub can be booked be visiting the Access the Dales website.

Why should you buy an All-Terrain Wheelchair in 2024

Sami Ullah — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 06:25:33 +0000

Why should you buy an All-Terrain Wheelchair in 2024

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What is an outdoor use wheelchair and why you need one?

The evolution of the wheelchair over time demonstrates how technological advances have been fuelled by the evolving needs, conditions, and inventiveness of wheelchair users. This simple mobility aid has evolved from a modest idea to a more complex machine.

We are all familiar with the wheelchair because it is a piece of technology that millions of individuals with disabilities use worldwide. The very first mobility chair was designed in 1595 with King Phillip II of Spain in mind. The chair had a platform for Phillip’s legs, an adjustable backrest, and little wheels at the ends of the chair’s legs. The chair itself couldn’t move on its own and needed to be pushed. We have come a long way from that now, and these mobility aids have become something bigger. The world of wheelchairs is evolving and so are we. They are being used in numerous sporting events such as the Paralympics and the recently concluded Wheelchair Rugby League. This is however restricted to a more professional level. What about day to day and leisure activities?

For many people, being restricted by a wheelchair can be very constricting. They can often only travel on paved walkways or well-maintained footpaths. These cannot be found everywhere and specially when it comes to more adventurous activities.

We at GM4X have taken a simple wheelchair and created the Paratreker, All-Terrain Wheelchairs, or wheelchairs for outdoor use. Designed by our experts and customisable to your needs, our outdoor mobility chairs revolve around you. While everyday wheelchairs have their limitations, the GM4X range of Paratrekers, are not afraid of the hardest of terrains! These are well capable for all those who love exploring the outdoors.

These outdoor all-terrain manual wheelchairs help in accessing the unexplored terrain with ease. A Sunday trek to the nearest mountains or the beach just got easier.

What is an All-Terrain Wheelchair and What are its Benefits?

In the simplest terms, an all-terrain wheelchair is a wheelchair for outdoor use. Unlike day to day wheelchairs, that are not made for rough terrains, an all-terrain wheelchair has the ability to navigate nearly every kind of outdoor terrain, including dirt, ice, gravel, pebbles, grassland, rubble, etc. They are not affected by rain, dust, or heat, making them ideal for almost any climate.

At GM4X, we ensure that the product is focused on YOU. These wheelchairs are sturdier than normal wheelchairs and are stable, comfortable and will cope with almost any terrain you throw at them.

They are designed keeping the outdoors in mind. When travelling over uneven ground, the Paratreker makes the journey smoother and less rough.

All terrain wheelchairs are an excellent way for people to experience the great outdoors. They allow access to a substantial portion of the Earth that a typical on-road wheelchair could never reach.

Spending time outside in the sunshine and strolling through parks has several health benefits and these outdoor wheelchairs make them available to everyone.

With 2023 right around the corner, being able to step out, or go hiking and exploring the outdoors should be on your weekly checklist. Exploring the outdoors is no longer a pre-planned activity with all terrain wheelchairs, but something that can be done on an impulse.

Our first product and now a common name for numerous organisations such as Access the Dales, Able to Adventures and other organisations and individuals across the UK, the Paratreker is aimed at helping adults explore the outdoors. Each Paratreker can be customised according to your requirements and handmade by our UK experts.

The large seats ensure that the rider is safe, comfortable and has ample of space. The sturdy metal and light aluminium frame of the Paratreker is designed in such a way that it encourages you to test its limits. Be it a sandy beach, country track or path, the wheels ensure a tight grip always and make you ask what are slips and falls?

In Conclusion`

Off-road mobility chairs are made to manage rough, uneven terrain that a regular wheelchair could not handle. An all-terrain wheelchair helps you to maintain an active lifestyle and take part in activities you enjoy. You can negotiate a rough trail with friends at a nearby park, navigate a snowy path in the woods, or enjoy the sunset on a sandy beach. GM4X has a range of products, that can be customised to your needs and requirements and help you explore the outdoors. Get in touch to know more about buying, renting or leasing the Paratreker by writing to us at sales@gm4x.co.uk

Outdoor Adventure for the GM4X All-Terrain Paratreker; A Visit to the AHOEC 2023 Conference

Sami Ullah — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 06:23:51 +0000

Outdoor Adventure for the GM4X All-Terrain Paratreker; A Visit to the AHOEC 2023 Conference

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Background

Now-a-days, majority of offices and buildings, restaurants and cafes, resorts and hotels, and many other public spaces boast about being “Wheelchair Accessible”. This allows individuals wi th mobility disabilities to visit these places with ease. However, not all outdoor terrains are accessible to people with disabilities. These may include more complex terrains such as trails and mountains, beaches and river sides and other rugged terrains. While a plethora of companies manufacture wheelchairs for day to day use, only a handful of manufacture electronic and manual wheelchairs for outdoor use. The GM4X team in collaboration with Grit and Davinci recently showcased their products at the 60th Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres 2023 conference. The GM4X Paratreker, Grit Spartan, and Davinci Quattro aim to make the outdoors accessible with their All-Terrain Wheelchairs. These outdoor access wheelchairs are completely different from the “day-to-day” wheelchairs that are used indoors or for “softer” terrains. The 3 day event saw multiple speak ers and heads from different organisations sharing their views on one common goal, with one focus: improving outdoor access for all. The GM4X range of Paratrekers, consists of versatile, All Terrain Wheelchairs that can be taken outdoors. These wheelchairs are customisable and able to withstand different climates and outdoor environments. These are suitable for individuals and organisations and users of all ages.

The Conference

The conference was aimed at improving the outdoors and making it more accessible for all. Multiple workshops and presentations were carried out throughout the 3 days giving the participants ample time to interact with and learn about each other’s ideas and aims.
GM4X Founder and Director, Gordon McGregor’s workshop was called “Go Anywhere; All Terrain Wheelchairs” and focused on the Equality Act 2010 as well as demonstrating the outdoor use wheelchairs.

This act states that an individual is considered to be disabled if they have any physical or mental impairments that have ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on their ability to do normal daily activities. It further defines ‘substantial’ as something that is more than minor or trivial and ‘long-term’ as lasting upto or more than 12 months. The attitude towards inclusion and disability is constantly improving and newer ways of incorporating the needs of disabled people are being thought of. Gordon presented the GM4X Paratreker Trail and the GM4X Paratreker All Terrain along with American born Grit Spartan and home bread DaVinci Quattro. The hand driven Grit and Paratrekers and mechanical DaVinci are perfect companions for outdoor use and are made keeping the end users in mind. They are customisable which means they can be made according to the needs and comfort of the users.

These wheelchairs are stronger than the usual wheelchairs which ensures that they are not damaged during transit or use. This also makes them suitable to use while exploring hills, campsites, beaches, or any other rugged terrains.

The GM4X Paratrekers can be leased, purchased, or rented by individuals and organisations. Simply write to us at sales@gm4x.co.uk to take your first step at exploring the outdoors!