'Taking my son to the park is soul-destroying because he just can't join in'

MUM'S APPEAL FOR ACCESSIBLE EQUIPMENT SO JOSIF CAN PLAY WITH HIS BROTHERS

- By JOEL MOORE

WHENEVER Rebecca Conway takes her son to their local park, she is confronted by a “soul-destroying” reality that leaves her with a “heavy burden”.

It's impossible for her son, Josif, to play with his brothers.

The seven-year-old, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, requires special accessible equipment, something which is missing across many playgrounds all over the country.

“There are two parks within walking distance and there's nothing for my son,” said Rebecca.

“When he goes to a park it’s soul-destroying as a parent to watch. He's an onlooker and wants to join in. He can become frustrated and upset.

“That's really difficult for us as parents.

“The guilt that we can’t give him the same things as his siblings is quite a heavy burden.”

The family, who live in Kimberley on the Derbyshire-Nottinghamshire border are forced to travel afar to places like Markeaton Park in Derby, which has wheelchair-friendly swings and seesaws.

“When he goes he has such a great time. It gives him joy and giggles his head off,’ said Rebecca.