If you ever needed a sign to get up, get out and start enjoying the great outdoors – this is it.  

Meet Debbie North – the British countryside's biggest advocate. Debbie’s mission is to get more people moving, regardless of their mobility status – so that they can experience nature and the benefits that it can have on both our physical and mental health.  

Here at Mobility Giant, we can't think of a better message or a more inspirational advocate than Debbie for making the countryside more accessible. Thats why we are thrilled to have Debbie as our newest ambassador, and to be supporting her fantastic organisation, Access the Dales, for better mobility in our green spaces.  

So, get ready to feel motivated, inspired and energised to get outside and enjoy the Britain you might not yet know – but will truly love.  

"My love for the outdoors has always been a fundamental part of who I am.

The rolling hills, the fresh air, the sense of peace that comes from being surrounded by nature—these are things that have always brought me immense joy and tranquillity. However, my own experiences and challenges as a wheelchair user have made me acutely aware of the barriers that prevent so many from enjoying these simple pleasures. This realisation drove me to establish the charity Access the Dales in 2022, with the mission of making the beautiful countryside accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. 

We often talk about the benefits of spending time in nature. Research shows that connecting with the natural world is not just beneficial; it's essential for our wellbeing. Time spent outdoors can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance memory. For many people with disabilities, these benefits are just as important, but often more difficult to attain due to the numerous physical barriers that exist.

Ramblers UK has highlighted the staggering reality that 11 million disabled people in the UK are unable to access the countryside because of obstacles like locked gates, narrow stiles, and kissing gates that are too small for an all-terrain wheelchair. 

This is a situation that needs urgent attention. I firmly believe that access to nature should be a fundamental human right, not a privilege reserved for those who can navigate these barriers. My passion for the outdoors and my commitment to inclusivity have recently led to my appointment as a Cabinet Office Disability and Access Ambassador for the countryside. In this role, I am dedicated to advocating for the changes needed to make the natural world open and welcoming to all. 

One of the biggest challenges disabled people face when trying to explore the countryside is not just the physical barriers, but also the lack of information and resources available to them. Too often, people with disabilities—or their friends and family members—are deterred from venturing out because they simply don’t know where they can go, or what they’ll find when they get there.

This is something I’m determined to change. 

All-terrain wheelchairs are a game-changer for disabled people who want to explore the outdoors. However, they are also incredibly expensive, putting them out of reach for many. If we are to ensure that everyone can enjoy the countryside in the same way able-bodied people do, we need to make these wheelchairs more readily available and affordable. This belief is at the heart of Access the Dales. 

Since its founding, Access the Dales has grown rapidly. We now have 10 different wheelchair hubs across the Yorkshire Dales, and we’ve expanded into the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire. These hubs offer the opportunity to explore stunning landscapes using all-terrain wheelchairs like the TGA Breeze S4, generously donated by Mobility Giant. At our Gisburn Forest hub alone, we have two TGA Breeze S4 wheelchairs available for borrowing. While we don’t charge for the use of these wheelchairs, we do ask for donations to help cover maintenance costs and to fund the purchase of new equipment. 

The work of Access the Dales is just beginning. There is so much more to be done to ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can experience the joy and healing power of nature. I invite you to join us in this mission—whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can break down the barriers that keep so many from accessing the countryside, and make the great outdoors a place where everyone feels welcome and included."