Help our garden dream come true
CRUSADING parents are hoping residents and businesses will help them make their dream of a sensory garden for disabled youngsters at Chesnut Lodge Specialist School in Widnes come true.
A fundraising James Bondthemed fundraising ball is scheduled to take place at the Hillcrest Hotel on Cronton Lane on Saturday, May 20, but organisers fear it may have to be cancelled due to a lack of prizes donated for the raffle and low ticket sales.
Simone Blount, whose son Stephen is a pupil and has Down’s syndrome, said some youngsters are unable to enjoy normal outdoor locations such as parks because the equipment is not suitable and presents risks that would not be hazards to other children.
She said the sensory garden would provide a chance for youngsters with particular impairments to learn using items tailored to their needs.
Features could include artificial turf, a coloured surface, wheelchair-access picnic tables, a sensory tunnel, talk tubes, raised beds, a mirrored water feature and a nature area with an investigation table.
Their hopes are pinned in part on the James Bond ball at the Hillcrest, tickets £22.50 including a three-course meal and music, but the event is under threat.
Simone, who is on the school’s parent staff association (PSA) said: “We haven’t been getting enough prizes and ticket sales haven’t been that good.
“A lot of the kids are ill and can’t go to the park or parks aren’t set up for our children.
“This (sensory garden) is something they could do safely – some are visually impaired or don’t have hearing.
“People sometimes see this kind of equipment and think it looks quite extravagant but it’s absolutely vital for children with sensory impairment and disabilities.
“How they experience the world is different and the average recreational space doesn’t take their needs into account.”
Residents and businesses can donate items by dropping them off at the school on Green Lane off Liverpool Road or emailing karen.gorry@sky.com to arrange collection.
Tickets are available from the ● school and Karen Gorry, a parent to disabled twins and PSA member. ●
Call Chesnut Lodge School on 0151 424 0679 or email info@ chesnutlodge.net