Trinity Hospice in Clapham gained a large Christmas present at the end of December in the form of a brand new Mercedes Sprinter 313 CDi Euro 5 minibus.

The vehicle was formally handed over the 6th December by Stanford Coachworks representative Mike Gasper, the local mayoress Councillor Jane Cooper, and the donating Benjamin Weir Trust organisation. Before its official working life some final additions, in the form of Eberspacher climate control, vehicle registering and testing, were made. Trinity Hospice, established for over 120 years, took the keys on Thursday 22^nd December.

The much needed minibus replaces and old Iveco Daily to transport patients in the local community and has been the focus of two years fundraising. The hospice cares for people with cancer and long term conditions such as the heart, lung or neurological illness in and around Central and South West London.

“Our brand new Mercedes minibus is a wonderful donation from the Benjamin Weir Trust,” said Anne Hooper, Chief Executive of Trinity Hospice.

“We are very grateful for such a generous gift – as a charity we rely on the support of local people, businesses and organisations to enable us to continue providing skilled and compassionate end-of-life care for people in our communities who are at an advanced stage of illness.

The Mercedes has an automatic gearbox, long wheelbase, EJ6 audio command system and will transport up to 9 passengers plus driver. The minibus is wheelchair accessible with the option to accommodate 4 wheelchairs, access gained through using a rear Ratcliffe RTP50, 500kg capacity long platform chair lift. Standard seating has special tracking fitted to the floor allowing for five removable chairs.

Ms Hooper explains: “Our patients often have many different illnesses that may restrict their mobility and some require breathing apparatus while travelling so that they can access our day services at Trinity’s Mulberry Place. This minibus has a high specification and has been well adapted to meet their needs and make journeys as comfortable as possible – we are very pleased with the standard of workmanship which went into creating this special vehicle for Trinity.”

The Stanford Coachworks M2 tested safety floor system is fitted with a non slip vinyl covering. The original base of the vehicle has been up-rated to 3880kg GVW. Insulation has been built-in to all rear, sidewall and roof cavities for extra comfort and warmth. The vehicle is fully VOSA certified and includes 12 months warranty for the conversion.

“The handover highlights the significance of the new low emission zone legislation coming into force from 3rd January,” explains Jess Rider, Co-Director of Stanford Coachworks.

The legislation conforms to Euro IV emissions regulations which affect all 5 ton vehicles or less that were registered before 2002. Trinity Hospice’s old minibus did not meet the new requirements and would have forfeited a £100+ per day if venturing in London.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any requirements for a welfare or wheelchair accessible minibus.