The 4As Kayaking Club get new rehabilitation running machine thanks to generous donation from the Rotary Club of Newark Castle after Facebook appeal

A kayaking club in Newark are feeling the benefits after reaching out to local Rotarians for help.

The 4As Kayaking Club were looking for help to buy a new rehabilitation running machine as theirs was beyond repair.

They contacted the Rotary Club of Newark Castle, via Facebook, with the request picked up by Rotarian Andy Fereday, who thought it may be of interest.

He got in touch with Lisa Hage, who had made the initial contact, and she informed them 4As were a “Newark-based club for people with physical and learning impairments, offering opportunities for all abilities to become active through sport and for their parents/carers to meet in a social, friendly and welcoming environment”.

As the Rotary Club are always looking to support local charities and good causes, and especially ones that support individuals who face additional challenges in life, it seemed to fit the bill.

Once Fereday had put together the information, he approached club president Jayne Mason to see if she thought it was something they could contribute to, which she did.

The proposal to support the 4As, either in part or whole, was added to the agenda for the next business meeting.

Representatives from the 4As were invited to speak about their club, members, activities, history and plans, and there was an excellent presentation from Lisa Hage, Paul Hage and Julie Gray, the founder of the 4As.

Following the meeting, the Rotary Club decided unanimously to buy the new rehabilitation running machine outright.

They organised the purchase, delivery and installation of the new equipment and had it up and running on November 11.

Subsequently, they were invited to a 4As training session to see it in action.

This took place on November 30 and was attended by Mason, president-elect Mac Mallard, and Rotarians Gill Lee and Fereday.

It was a wonderful morning and there was an opportunity to meet up again with the presenting trio, along with a number of club members who ably demonstrated their training equipment, both new and old.

They also met a number of coaches and parents, with the morning rounded off with tea, coffee and homemade biscuits, courtesy of Julie.

The 4As were formed about 35 years ago by Gray, a retired paediatric physiotherapist.

She’s recently been awarded an MBE for services to young people with impairments.

During the summer 4As offer taster sessions in canoe and kayak for those aged eight and over, which supports their core activity of paddle-ability flat water kayak racing at Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham.

Once paddlers become more competent, they can become a member of the racing team, meeting up to three times a week for either gym or water training sessions.

Currently, their racing members range from 10 to 31 years old and are supported by two qualified coaches.

4As continue to offer support during the winter by holding fun indoor activities, including boccia, new age curling and tabletop games, as well as social events such as their annual Christmas meal.

Their achievements have been recognised over the years by Newark and Sherwood Sports Awards - winning junior team of the year and junior disabled sportsperson.

They were also awarded the British Canoeing impact on equality and diversity award in 2019.