A HELENSBURGH mum-of-five has praised a sailing charity for providing her with precious quality time with her children.

Debbie Gordon, 48, loves spending time with her children as a family, but with two children with complex learning difficulties, it isn’t always easy.

Debbie and husband Peter are parents to Roddy, and Peter is step-dad to the other four children, including eldest son Ben, 26, who has complex learning difficulties. Roddy, 12, is non-verbal and autistic, meaning time spent as a family is limited.

However, around six years ago the Gordons found out about Able2Sail, a volunteer run organisation which makes sailing and time on the water accessible to everyone.

Between April and September, during the main sailing season, the family tries to get out on the water up to three times because the boys enjoy it and Debbie loves that it is something they can do together.

She told the Advertiser: “We try to head out three times a season and they boys get excited about it in the lead up to the event. It’s great to see, they both love it.

“Sometimes myself and Peter will need to split up and do different things with the boys but this is something we can do together and for me that is one of the greatest aspects, seeing them enjoy it together.”

Debbie’s daughter Megan also joins them on the trips and is made welcome by the volunteers.

With volunteers on the boat, the family get a chance to socialise with other people. Debbie praised the volunteers for their efforts.

She said: “Everyone we have met has been great, they encourage everyone to get involved whether it be at the helm or on the ropes.

"They got Megan involved and the opportunities for her have been fantastic.

“All the volunteers are keen to learn about all the children and young people individually, they will encourage them to take part but don’t push them to do anything they aren’t comfortable with.

“The volunteers are essential, without them we wouldn’t get a chance to get out and enjoy the water as a family.”

Debbie explained Ben gets excited in advance and asks months before the season when they are going out.

Roddy however, doesn’t get excited until the day when the car gets closer to the water and he realises where they are going.

Debbie said: “Ben loves being on the water and socialising with the crew.

"Roddy loves being on the water, we can tell by the smile on his face when we are out.

“It’s great that Able2Sail are there and that we are able to get out on the boats with them.

"It’s a new experience for the boys they may not have otherwise had the chance to do and we are always made welcome.”

Able2Sail provides sailing opportunities aboard their vessel ‘able2sail’ and their motor yacht ‘Jenny Rose’ to both able-bodied and disabled individuals free of charge.

To find out more about Able2Sail visit able2sail.org.uk/