Lord's Taverners Reach Milestone With 1,000th Minibus Donation

Lord's Taverners Reach Milestone With 1,000th Minibus Donation

Lord's Taverners President Chris Cowdrey and Chief Executive Matthew Patten during the landmark minibus donation at Essex

©Lord's Taverners

Today marked a milestone for The Lord’s Taverners, the UK's leading youth cricket and disability sports charity, as it donated a landmark 1,000th minibus to youngsters with special needs and disabilities. The charity’s groundbreaking mobility initiative that spans over 37 years was celebrated with Essex CCC as disabled youngsters from Edith Borthwick School, Braintree were presented with their new means of transport which will aid access to the local community.

Former England cricket captain and president of The Lord’s Taverners, Chris Cowdrey, was joined by former Essex star Ronnie Irani and members of the current playing squad as the 1,000th minibus was driven onto the outfield during the club’s final home game against Yorkshire CCC and presented in front of the Ford County Ground crowd.

Chris Cowdrey, former England cricket captain and current president of The Lord’s Taverners, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement to have reached this goal and to have been able to have such a positive effect on the lives of so many disabled youngsters across the country. Lord’s Taverners minibuses provide a vital means of transport for those with disabilities, the importance of which cannot be understated.

“We are very proud to have had the opportunity to host pupils and teachers from Edith Borthwick School with the support of Essex CCC today and hope that they enjoyed the first of many days out in their local community with the new vehicle.”

The charity’s pioneering scheme has now put an amazing 1,000 minibus on the road to the value of £26 million since 1975 and is leading the way in providing increased mobility for youngsters with disabilities. The past year alone has seen the charity donate 32 minibuses to special needs schools and youth organisations across the UK, which are expected to drive a combined 225,000 miles over the next 12 months to provide a whole host of opportunities and experiences.

The distinctive green Lord’s Taverners minibuses are designed to give young people with physical and or learning disabilities the opportunity to see the world beyond the confines of the organisation which cares for them.