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HM The Queen presents disabled drivers with keys to driving freedom
HM The Queen presents disabled drivers with keys to driving freedom On Friday 13 June Motability celebrated 30 years of providing independent mobility to disabled people, with a presentation at Royal Hospital Chelsea led by Motability's Chief Patron, Her Majesty the Queen. Commemorating this milestone on the Scheme's journey, HM The Queen, accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, presented six Motability customers with keys to the cars they have chosen. The event marked the Motability Scheme's role in supporting people with disabilities and especially on this occasion, those who have become disabled whilst serving in the Armed Forces and Emergency Services. Captain Peter Norton, who was awarded the George Cross for bravery, when heading the Army bomb disposal unit received the keys to his car from The Queen. Two other ex-service personnel and a former member of the Fire Brigade also received their keys together with a 17-year-old motor sports racer who has recently joined the Scheme, and a 61-year-old retired psychiatric nurse, who has been a Motability customer since its inception. The guests attending the presentation included two of Motability's founding patrons, Baroness Thatcher and Lord Jenkin of Roding, as well as Lord Alf Morris of Manchester AO QSO, the first Minister for Disabled People. Anne McGuire MP, the current Minister for Disabled People, was present as was General Sir Richard Dannatt and other Chiefs of Staff. They were welcomed by the Chairman of the Scheme, Lord Sterling GCVO CBE, who was co-founder with the late Lord Goodman, and General The Lord Michael Walker GCB CMG CBE DL, Governor of the Royal Hospital. The event celebrated the Motability Scheme's success since 1978 in providing over two million cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs to disabled people and their families through a unique partnership between the charitable sector, Government, leading banks, motor and insurance industries. A range of vintage vehicles were on display, reflecting the limited choice of vehicles available to disabled people before the introduction of the Motability Scheme. These included a motorised bath-chair (developed for disabled servicemen from the First World War), an Argson trike and an example of a blue trike, introduced by the National Health Service in 1948. Lord Sterling commented: "We are delighted that Motability?s Chief Patron, Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, have joined us for our 30th anniversary of providing disabled people with access to motoring and mobility. Not only has Motability brought greater freedom to disabled people in the running of their everyday lives, it has also brought benefits to their families. I am personally very glad to use this occasion to honour those who need help with disabilities sustained whilst serving in the Armed Forces and the Emergency Services. We are proud of the progress this unique Scheme has made over three decades. Getting on for half a million disabled people and their families now enjoy the choice of more than 3,000 vehicles from major manufacturers, and a worry-free package which includes insurance, road tax, servicing and breakdown cover. This has been accomplished over the years by the work of thousands of unsung heroes, a number of whom are present here today. As the late Lord Goodman often said: 'Motability is a unique partnership between the Government and the private sector'." Captain Peter Norton, 45, from Swindon, was be presented with the keys to his Toyota Rav4 fitted with a steering adaptation. He said: "I am proud to represent servicemen and women on this historic occasion. Motability has helped me get my new car along with the special adaptation to make driving easier. The Scheme is a great support to returning service people, without it getting on with daily life would be so much more difficult. I am honoured to be here and it's always special to meet The Queen." Aaron Morgan from Hampshire, a 17-year-old recipient of a VW Golf, said: "Without the help of Motability I would not be able to lead an independent life and continue going to college. Not only has the Scheme made the prospect of driving a car affordable and accessible, it has enabled me to continue meeting up with friends and my interest in motor sports."
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