Last month the Jumbulance Trust took a group of disabled adults from Hertfordshire on a trip to Niederau in Austria. Sophie Dalton, Thames Valley – Sales and Marketing Administrator, was the lucky volunteer chosen by the Shanly Foundation to join them.  
The first part of the trip involved an 8-hour coach trip, with a plentiful supply of tea, cake and even a quiz, through the Euro Tunnel before arriving at Remagen, Germany.
On their first day in Remagen, the group took a boat trip along the Rhine River and explored the riverside town.
The following morning, they set off on their next leg of the trip to Niederau, Austria. A 9-hour coach trip later, taking in stunning views of mountains and rivers, they arrived at their destination.
During their time in Austria the group went on a variety of day trips including visiting Innsbruck to take in the famous sites of the Golden Roof and the Imperial Church and exploring the city parks; a boat trip across the Achen Lake (the largest lake within the federal state); a trip to King Ludwig II Palace on Herreninsel (the largest island in the Chiemsee lake in southern Bavaria); and cable cars up the mountains in Hopfgarten im Brixental (the Austrian state of Tyrol). Evenings were filled with dinner, music and dancing, and even a raffle draw.
A wonderful time was had by volunteers and VIPs alike.
“Being able to see first-hand what Jumbulance provides and what it means to its VIPs (disabled travellers) was very heart-warming. It was an amazing experience from start to finish, being able to visit all these stunning places and to have had the opportunity to do this with such an amazing group of people made it even more special. Every single VIP had an incredible story to share, from driving tanks to barn dancing across the US!” Sophie Dalton
“We were very pleased to have Sophie with us, in no time she was working hard assisting our VIPs and being very attentive when someone was in need. Pushing wheelchairs during our daily excursions can be hard work, especially when there are steep slopes to contend with. She had a very cheerful personality and was an asset to the group. We are very grateful to the Shanly Foundation.” Robin Cattle, Jumbulance Trust
To find out more about the incredible work of Jumbulance visit jumbulance.org.uk