Pudsey returns to support Sailability

Pudsey returns to support Sailability

Pudsey Bear, the friendly, furry mascot of BBC Children in Need returned to the Isle of Wight this summer to show his continuing support for Cowes Sailability Club at the charity’s annual Children’s Event. Over the course of three days in August, Cowes Sailability Club arranged free and accessible trips on a motorboat for children with a wide range of disabilities and life-limiting conditions.

In total, Cowes Sailability Club organised nine excursions, which the young people enjoyed with their families or carers. Funded by BBC Children in Need, the event made a positive difference to children’s lives, by increasing their feelings of happiness, improving their mental health and boosting their confidence.

One of the children who benefited was 12-year-old Raven, whose life is affected by multiple health conditions. “The day out with Cowes Sailability Club was amazing and definitely one of the highlights of the summer for Raven,” says his mum, Juliet. “When he was on the boat, he was waving his arms around in excitement! Raven doesn’t have a school placement due to his complex needs. It is, therefore, really important for him to have opportunities to go on accessible outings like this, with other young people, so that he doesn’t become isolated.”

A 15-year-old participant, who has a chromosome disorder and global development delay, thoroughly enjoyed the day out with her dad. “She shows her emotions through her facial expressions and actions, and judging from her actions on the boat, she was really happy and excited,” her dad says. “She really giggled whenever the boat sped up, which was lovely to see. She also really enjoyed meeting Pudsey.”

Debbie went on one of the trips with her two children, both of whom have autism and one of whom is non-verbal. “Kenzie and Chloe loved the whole experience, especially getting wet when the boat went fast!” she says. “Kenzie doesn’t speak but it was clear to see that he was having a great time, as he was grinning and laughing all the time. The atmosphere created by the volunteers from Cowes Sailability Club was really welcoming and the pirate costumes added to the fun.”

Commenting on the success of the three-day event, Roger Sutton, Cowes Sailability Club’s Commodore, says: “We remain incredibly grateful to BBC Children in Need for recognising the value of accessible outdoor activities for disabled children and providing us with funding to arrange our Children’s Event. When I talk with parents and carers and see the smiles on children’s faces, it is just blatantly clear what a positive impact water-based activities can have on the wellbeing and mental health of young people with disabilities and life-limiting conditions.”

He adds: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all of Cowes Sailability Club’s volunteers who worked hard to organise this worthwhile event and make families feel so welcome on the day.”

The Children’s Event 2026 took place using a wheelchair-accessible motorboat, chartered by Cowes Sailability Club and owned and operated by Wetwheels Hamble CIC. Specially designed to cater for people with disabilities, Wetwheels Hamble can accommodate ten passengers, including up to three wheelchairs, on every excursion.

Cowes Sailability Group would like to thank East Cowes Marina for hosting this event and Red Funnel for kindly transporting Pudsey to the island from Southampton free of charge.

Image below: Belinda on one of Cowes Sailability Club’s Drascombe sailing boats