Introducing Norma, 88 - a member who feels like a teenager again!

It gives us great pleasure to introduce Norma, who joined Outdoor Mobility back in 2023 and has visited many of our partner sites using the Trampers!

Having turned 88 back in July, Norma had found that she was struggling to access nature without help. She has always loved to get out into the forest and on the fells, having visited the Lake District from a base in Hawkshead for many years with her late husband, Frank, and later her son, James. A true lover of the countryside, she has found the Trampers have allowed her access back into nature and the freedom to ‘get back out there’, rather than being stuck in the house.

Norma has her own personal mobility scooter but says it can feel rather fragile on rougher terrain and knocks her confidence. On the Trampers, however, Norma said she feels ‘very, very safe’, as they are so sturdy. In Norma’s option, Trampers are ‘the most fantastic’ aid for mobility impaired people that have ever existed!

Norma said she simply ‘can’t get enough’ of getting out on the Trampers, whatever the weather. Operating the Tramper gives her a ‘tremendous thrill’ and feels so uplifting. So much so, she says she feels ‘like a teenager again.’ She is always ‘yards ahead’ of her son, James, who now struggles to keep up with her on foot! During a rather soggy visit to Grizedale, Norma felt the hood of her poncho fall down and was shouting back at James to ‘hurry up’ as she was getting wet!

Norma has visited so many of our partner sites, including many in the Lake District. Her absolute favourite place to visit is Whinlatter. Earlier in the year, Norma also visited The Himalayan Gardens and Sculpture Park, where James volunteers in the gardens. Norma was ‘over the moon’ to finally visit and see for herself what an ‘amazing place’ it is. She has also visited High Force, which she remembers visiting as a child. She told her friend who couldn’t believe she had seen the waterfall in all its glory. Norma more recently visited one of our newer partner sites at Harewood House, as well at Sutton Bank and she has plans to visit Derwent Waterside Park at Consett.

Norma’s advice is that anyone considering trying the Trampers ‘absolutely should’. She believes the scheme is so reasonably priced and what you get in return is ‘fantastic’. It can make all the difference to someone’s quality of life - rather than missing out on the action, you can be at the centre of it! Norma and James love to spread the word about Outdoor Mobility when they are out and about and always recommend the Trampers to others.

If you’d like to feature in one of our ‘Meet a Member’ profiles, we’d love to hear from you. Email your name and contact details to info@outdoormobility.org and we’ll be in touch!