Acclaimed Bolton comedian Peter Kay made a rare public appearance this weekend to launch Lancashire’s first ever wheelchair accessible “wheelyboat” at Rivington Reservoir.
The 48-year-old comic writer and actor only just returned to the stage last month, having stepped away from the public eye in 2017 citing "unforseen family circumstances.
He was at the Anderton Centre, Lower Rivington Reservoir, as guest of honour on Saturday to cut the ribbon on Lancashire's first Wheelyboat, which aims to give disabled adults and children the chance to enjoy sailing and water sports, and was thrilled to be presented with a t-shirt marked “honorary instructor.”
Peter stepped back from the public eye in 2017 but returned to the stage in Manchester last month
He said: “It’s very lovely to be here today, I’m honoured to be asked to launch this fantastic wheelyboat, which I hope gives a lot of people a lot of pleasure and happiness out on the water.
“The Anderton Centre is a fantastic place and I love coming here, and the people are really nice and when it’s a nice day and there’s a heatwave you think you’re in the south of France.”
Peter Kay at the Rivington launch event
Stepping up to cut the ribbon, he added: “I’m just going to get on with cutting it with the scissors… I did think, I might be smashing a bottle against it, but apparently in the modern world that is not allowed for re-cycling.
“I’ve never launched anything in my life, apart from one of my children – no, only kidding.
“So I declare, this fantastic wonderful wheelyboat officially, don’t all run and jump on, open.”
Local MP and Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle was on hand to watch the ceremony and was able to speak and shake hands with the much-loved entertainer afterwards.
Peter Kay with local MP and Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle
The Coulam Wheelyboat V17 is now the first purpose-built wheelchair accessible powerboat for public use in Lancashire.
Wheelyboat Trust director Andy Beadsley said: “Wheelyboats are a lifeline for anyone with a disability, as each boat removes the barriers and enables disabled people to participate alongside and on equal terms with their able-bodied counterparts.
The Wheelyboat
“All too often people with disabilities are restricted in the activities they can take part in due to lack of accessible facilities and equipment, which is something we are striving to change.”
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