Disabled teen’s heartbreak at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
A Burnley teenager with cerebral palsy is leading a fight to ensure disabled people can enjoy funfair rides – after being turned away at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Blessed Trinity student Nicki Shepherd (15) was so upset at his treatment he has started a petition so other disabled people will not suffer the same humiliation.
The Year 10 student, who has been in a wheelchair all his life, went on a school trip in July to the Pleasure Beach.
However, despite going on the same rides the year before, when he got to the front of the queue he was turned away from rides such as the Big One, Avalanche and Infusion.
“It was upsetting as it was the first time ever my disability has got in the way,” said Nicki who has acted in CBBC’s 4 o’Clock Club.
“I have usually always found a way around it and it was such a shame as it was a school trip, I was allowed to queue up, to get to the front and then to be turned away.
“This is despite there being signs all over the Pleasure Beach saying the rides are accessible for wheelchair users.
“Last year I rode on every one but this year they said, because I couldn’t walk unaided, I couldn’t go on.
“My dad was my carer on the day and he was upset and angry for me.”
The family, who live in Eckroyd Road in Nelson, were so furious they wrote to the Pleasure Beach and BBC.
“We received a letter from the Pleasure Beach apologising and saying they would try to sort it out for 2015 but that didn’t really help me.”
No comments:
Post a Comment