Outdoor brand offers free adapted clothing scheme

An outdoor clothing brand is aiming to make nature more accessible for people with physical disabilities with a new alterations service.

Berghaus Adapts, which is based at the company's headquarters in Sunderland, is initially offering free bespoke adaptations for a limited number of customers.

The scheme was previously limited to alterations for professional equipment, providing things like 'armpit zips' for ventilation and waterproof bags for catheters.

Former rugby player Ed Jackson, who needed modified kit following a spinal cord injury, said adapted clothing was vital in his quest to complete a series of outdoor challenges.

Jackson fractured multiple vertebrae in his spine diving into a shallow pool and first asked the company, which was founded in Newcastle, for special equipment to help him climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowden) in 2018.

He has since completed multiple hikes around the world, including on the Pennine Way, Alps and Himalayas.

"The journey that I have been on since my accident is living, breathing testimony of the positive power of the outdoors," he said.

Berghaus product manager Femeke Vesters said the latest initiative set out to work with people on an individual basis "so there's no limitations on who can apply".

"We've added extra ventilation zips, access zips for catheters, knee straps to help you lift your legs," she said.

"It's not just about climbing a mountain, it could just be a walk around the park - the outdoors should be accessible to everybody."

There are currently 16 million people in the UK living with a disability - many of whom are unable to access the appropriate supplies they need to spend time in nature.

The project, in conjunction with the Millimetres 2 Mountains charity, is initially open to applications until 16 February.

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