Staff and inmates from Magilligan Prison have handed over a new wheelchair ramp to the Riding for the Disabled Association in Coleraine.

The impressive 28 foot structure was constructed at the workshops in Foyleview Resettlement Unit, based on plans drawn up by the RDA.

Uel Morrow, an instructor in the Foyleview workshops said the inmates involved had gained a lot from the project.

“They had the satisfaction of making something that is of real benefit to the community. It was an opportunity for people coming to end of their sentences to demonstrate that they can use skills to make a positive contribution to wider society.”

The Coleraine RDA Honorary Secretary Albert Clyde thanked Magilligan Prison for providing the new structure.

“They have done an excellent job. The safety of the children is paramount and this new ramp with its rails will make it much easier for them to access the horses safely.”

“We have been working with Foyleview for about four years. We are very happy to have inmates come here and help out. They have contributed a lot to our work here.

“The value the children get out of horse-riding is outstanding. The kids’ faces light up when they get a chance to get on a horse and it helps a lot with mobility problems.”

One of the prisoners who worked on the ramp said he hoped they would be able to work on more projects beneficial to the local community.

“The boys are learning skills such as brick work and joinery and it is an ideal opportunity for them to use them for a good cause. It would be great if they could do more of this sort of work.”

Notes to Editors

For photographs, contact Seamus Loughrey on 07770833830.

The Coleraine and District Group of the RDA has been in existence for 30 years and is based at the Cyril Lee Arena on the Castleroe Road. Their telephone number is 028 7032 0147 and website address is www.rda-causeway.blinkz.com.

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