A KIND-HEARTED fundraiser unveiled a hoist at the Beach Wheelchairs Project this month.

The hoist, which was installed earlier this month, is made from marine grade steel to cope with the weather at the project’s base at the town’s harbour.

It allows users to transfer from their wheelchairs to one of the specially adapted beach chairs offered by the charity.

Judy Lockhart, who recently completed the Edinburgh Marathon, raised more than £1,500 for the Beach Wheelchairs Project.

The Kirk Ports resident raised £850 by completing the 26.1-mile course, while match-funding from her employers raised the total to £1,700.

She was invited to attend the opening last Sunday.

Robin Black, the chairman of the project, said: “This money has enabled us to purchase a hoist to allow even more people to use our beach wheelchairs and get back on the beach.

“We are the first beach wheelchair hire project to provide a hoist for their customers in the whole of the UK.

“We were thrilled when Judy approached us to say she would like to raise some money for us.

“It really shows how the community of North Berwick have taken our project into their hearts.”

And Judy added: “I’m extremely proud to have helped Beach Wheelchairs purchase their hoist and I hope that for many years to come, more and more people who perhaps previously could not have will now be able to enjoy the beach as much as me.

“Thanks to everyone who supported me and also to the Beach Wheelchairs team who volunteer their own time to make this fantastic project work.”

Ellie Greenhill, of The Hub in Tranent, was the first user of the hoist, and Alison Brown, co-founder and secretary of the Beach Wheelchairs Project, was thrilled.

She added: “The hoist is invaluable for individuals that cannot safely transfer from their own wheelchair but also for groups where strict manual handling legislation often prevents paid carers from lifting their clients.

“We are looking forward to welcoming more groups.”