Disabled woman 'exhausted' and 'embarrassed' after visit to Halloween attraction

What was meant to be a night of spooky fun turned into an uphill struggle — quite literally — for one couple who say they were left “embarrassed and exhausted” after attending a Halloween trail that organisers had claimed was accessible. Lois McCarthy reports

- Lois McCarthy reports

NADINE and Lewis Morgan, from Briton Ferry, Neath Port Talbot, had planned their Halloween night carefully.

Costumes were ready, excitement was high, and Lewis had even booked time off work so they could enjoy the event at Margam Park together.

“The hype was there,” said 26-year-old Nadine.

“My husband had booked some time off and we had our costumes ready.

“It wasn’t raining by the time we went - it was definitely something we were excited for, but that dwindled during the experience?

As Nadine explained, trips like this require a lot of forethought and preparation.

“I’m an ambulatory wheelchair user, which means I can walk short distances, but struggle going uphill and over long stretches,’ she said.

“And being in a wheelchair, it requires planning in advance.”

Having seen Scream Time advertised, Nadine decided to look into the event further.

“We were a bit nervous booking it because of the wheelchair needs and things,” she said. “But then I was thinking: I shouldn't be deterred from certain events just because I’m in a wheelchair. I want to have the same experience as everybody else.”

Before booking, Nadine decided to email the organisers to make sure the trail would be suitable.

“We were made aware beforehand of how hilly it was because I had to email about it,” she said.

“They said on the website that one section could be avoided, or that stewards could help.

“Obviously we emailed ahead first to double-check, but they just said it was only the uphill section.

“So we were made aware, which was fine - but I don’t think we were planning on it being so strenuous.”

Lewis, 33, who has lots of experience in pushing Nadine in her chair, said he thought it would be manageable.

“We were under the impression that it was the same route used for events like Illuminate, and they have pushed people up there before, so I thought it should be fine,’ he said.