New wheelchair access helps inspirational Albany man Rob Cridge keep playing lawn bowls with his mates

Albany’s Rob Cridge is inspiring those around him with his determination to lead an active lifestyle despite his ongoing battle with multiple sclerosis.

Playing social bowls has just become a whole lot easier for Cridge, with wheelchair access to the greens allowing him to keep competing every week.

After being diagnosed with MS in 1995, Mr Cridge has made it his mission to stay active, including sailing and playing bowls with a group of friends on Wednesday nights at the Albany Bowling Club.

“When I was diagnosed, I turned a negative into something incredibly positive for me,” Mr Cridge said.

“I compete in sailing, do my bowling, and whatever else I can do to stay positive and active.”

However, getting on and off the bowling green has become difficult for Mr Cridge, who over the years has gone from using a cane to crutches and now almost full-time in a wheelchair.

The Albany Bowling Club approached him at the end of last year’s social competition to ask how they could make it easier for him to keep playing.

The club started by using portable car ramps to help Mr Cridge access the green, and about a month ago, it installed permanent ramps for wheelchairs.

Mr Cridge said he was astounded to learn he was the first person to use a wheelchair on the green in the history of the club, which dates back to 1899. “The club has manufactured these and it is much, much better,” he said.

“It was unsafe stepping down using my crutch.

“I was taking a leap of faith every time I bowled.

“The ramps work brilliantly ... they allow me to remain in my chair and bowl and then move to the other end of the green and do it again.”

Cridge is part of the team Irritable Bowl Syndrome, which wears bright yellow shirts.

Fellow IBS members Kriss Logan, Alan Triplett and Michael Green say the wheelchair access to the green has been a boost to the team.

“He is a long and valued teammate,” Mr Triplett said.

“Rob can get on and off the green now without us having to focus on him, which is important and it’s a hell of a lot safer.

“We’ve had more wins than losses this year, and are just here to enjoy ourselves.”