The mum of a 12-year-old with Down’s syndrome has expressed her thanks after a community fundraiser secured vital outdoor play equipment for her daughter.
Killearn mum Chrissy Taylor launched the online appeal to secure a new garden swing at their home after the previous one was damaged due to heavy use by daughter Bronte.
The family had exhausted all other elements of private financial support to buy the new equipment and called on big-hearted locals to help out with the effort, along with funding a new garden fence and gate to ensure that Bronte is kept safe.
Following a big response from the Killearn community and further afield, the fundraiser reached the £420 goal to afford the new swing - with Bronte now happily swinging away.
Chrissy said: “The response has been absolutely brilliant and I just can’t believe people’s generosity.
“It actually took the best part of two days to put together and it’s really sturdy, so it looks as if it’s going to last for years which is great.
“Bronte actually knew we were building the swing and so she came out and watched us and at one point, she went inside and then emerged with the swing attachment and ropes and brought them out to us - she was just desperate to get the seat on and started playing on it.
“She’s just over the moon with it and absolutely besotted - she runs straight to it after school and because it’s so big and strong, it’s taking her more effort to swing and that builds up the exercise element which is great.
“They say money can’t buy happiness - but it can certainly be traded for things that bring complete joy.”
The fundraiser has currently raised just over £500 towards the goal of £1,630, with Chrissy now hoping for a second push to help with the vital costs of the garden fence and wall in order to keep Bronte safe.
Chrissy added: “There’s still a bit of money left over and we’re saving that for the fence but I had to buy the swing because the previous one was broken and it was awful seeing her so sad about it every day.
“I put up a post on the Killearn for All Facebook page just thanking the community for everything and people were obviously delighted that she was enjoying herself on the swing and I hope they found it quite heartwarming.
“We’re still fundraising for a fence and gate for her safety, so anyone who can help throw a coin in the bucket would be appreciated.”
If you wish to support Chrissy’s appeal, then you can visit gofundme.com/f/help-bronte-exercise-and-play-safely
