Play centre for disabled kids to open in UK first

THIS summer the UK’s first ‘fully inclusive activity centre’ is set open in Bristol to help the 58,000 disabled children living within an hour from the city.

It’s estimated around 84 per cent of kids living with a disability are unable to attend parks , swimming pools, soft plays or any recreational activity.

That’s because most destinations are not geared-up to cater for all of their needs.

Physiotherapist for children with disabilities, Stephanie Wheen has witnessed the devastating effect this has on lives firsthand throughout her career.

And after years of feeling helpless, she decided to take action. She has now raised £60,000 to run a four-week programme over the summer called Gympanzies.

This will offer disabled children and their families a place to play away from the home and meet other families.

She hopes this will only be the beginning, her ambition is to eventual open a fully-equipped leisure centre.

Mrs Wheen said: “Now, we’ve got an amazing group of volunteers and trustess.

“Through a Crowdfund we managed to raise £43,000 with three weeks until the deadline - so there is a lot of support.”

The centre will open on July 30 for four weeks at Emersons Green Primary School.