Peter Kay is “making it great” as he makes a rare public appearance for a good cause

Peter Kay confessed it was “nice to do something” on Saturday as he helped launch a new wheelchair accessible “Wheelyboat” near Chorley. The comedy legend also cracked a few jokes with adoring fans during the rare public appearance

Video is loading

Video not available

The video will start playing automatically soon8thCancel

Play Now

Peter Kay launches a wheelchair accessible boat on the Lancashire reservoir

Peter Kay told fans he was “doing great” on Saturday as he made a rare public appearance near his beloved hometown for a good cause.

The comedy legend, 48, was the guest of honor as he helped launch a new wheelchair-accessible “wheelyboat” near Bolton – the birthplace of the comic.

Peter cracked a few jokes with adoring fans as he officially launched the boat that will offer disabled adults and children the opportunity to enjoy water sports and activities at The Anderton Center for the first time.

Peter has withdrawn from the spotlight in recent years after “unforeseen family circumstances” forced him to cancel his 2017 national tour.

The Phoenix Nights co-creator returned to the stage earlier this month to embark on his first tour in 11 years, performing his Dance For Life show at the Manchester Central Convention Complex on Good Friday.

On Saturday, the stand-up comedian revealed how he and his three children had been enjoying outdoor activities at the Anderton Centre, near Chorley, where the boat was launched on Lower Rivington Reservoir.

After being introduced as the guest of honor at the performance, Peter was presented with a gift, much to the amusement of the crowd – a t-shirt with ‘Honorary Instructor’ written on the back.

“It’s very nice to be here today, I’m honored to be asked to launch this fantastic wheelyboat which I hope will bring a lot of joy and happiness to many people on the water,” said the three-timer Father on Saturday, according to PA.

“The Anderton Center is a fantastic place and I love coming here and the people are really nice and when it’s a nice day and there’s a heatwave you think you’re in the south of France.”

As he descended to cut the ribbon on the boat, he added, “I’m just going to get on with cutting it with the scissors… I thought I could bang a bottle on it, but apparently in the modern world that’s not for recycling.” is allowed.

“I’ve never launched anything in my life except for one of my kids – no, just kidding.

“So I officially – not all run and jump – openly declare this fantastic, wonderful wheelyboat.”

During the launch, Peter shook hands and spoke to local Labor MP Sir Lindsay Hoyle, also giving fans an update when asked how he was doing.

“I’m doing great, thank you, nice to do, nice to do,” the Car Share creator said during Saturday’s event.

The Coulam Wheelyboat V17 – a purpose built fully wheelchair accessible powerboat – is Lancashire’s first for public use.

Lancashire Outdoor Activities Initiative (LOAI) and national charity The Wheely Boat Trust have joined forces to finance, build and deliver the new ship.

Andy Beadsley, Director of The Wheelyboat Trust said: “Wheelyboats are a lifeline for everyone with a disability as each boat removes the barriers and allows disabled people to participate alongside and on equal terms with their able-bodied counterparts.

“All too often people with disabilities are limited in what they can do because of a lack of accessible facilities and equipment, which we are trying to change.”

Do you have a story to sell? Contact us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us directly on 0207 29 33033