Wisbech PHAB Club (physically handicapped abled bodied) is hoping to purchase a specially adapted 16-seater minibus from the Lord’s Taverners charity.

If successful, the club will have to raise £17,000 – half the cost of the vehicle.

The club’s current minibus is 12 years-old and is proving too costly to repair and only seats 11 people.

Club leader and founder member Carol Alderton explained membership has grown to 60 people.

The club – which has members from March and the outlying Wisbech villages – has so far raised £7,000 for the appeal which includes a grant and the promise of another.

Although members have events planned, Carol explained they can’t raise all the money themselves.

These include the annual flag day, and in June members are travelling to London to take part in a national PHAB club sponsored walk in Hyde Park. The club will also have a stall at Wisbech Rose Fair in July.

PHAB member Thelma Cozens, of March, is planning a sponsored swim at March’s George Campbell pool with Carol, and another member is hoping to do a tandem tricycle ride.

At the moment, the club meets fortnightly on a Tuesday at the Rosmini Centre in Wisbech between 7.30pm and 9.30pm. The next meeting is May 20 for a quiz night.

Members and volunteers enjoy speakers and taking part in a range of activities.

Carol said they like to hold parties for special occasions such as Christmas and Halloween, have a fish and chip night and a pub night, and they will be travelling to Wicksteed Park in July for a national fun day.

The club, which started in 1981, is for adults aged 18 upwards and volunteer helpers are always appreciated.

“We have got some really good volunteers and drivers and people who have got family at the club,” said Carol, explaining the minibus is also used to bring members to meetings.

n If you can help with fundraising or want to make a donation call Carol on 01945-700063. Anyone willing to help the club at meetings and activities should also call the above number.