Naomi Gwynne, 8, was upset to find out that her twin brother Isaac was unable to use the swings after new equipment was installed at their local park.
Naomi wrote to South Lanarkshire Council in a ‘heartfelt’ letter, asking why they had ‘forgotten’ about her disabled brother.
She and Isaac are both autistic and he is also visually impaired by a brain tumour. He suffers severe learning difficulties and therefore cannot hold on to the ropes of an ordinary swing and is too big to fit into the assisted swings at the park.
She wrote: “I like the new park but please could you make a disabled swing for it?
“Isaac my twin brother is too big for a baby swing but can’t hold on to the bars of the grown up swings.
“His favourite thing is a swing and we are both sad. Why did you forget about him? I have drawn a swing he would like. Thank you.”
Proud moment for Mum, Naomi’s letter standing up for her Brother Isaac Photo: Miriam Gwynne
Mother of the children, Miriam Gwynne, said she had no idea about Naomi’s letter until she was asked to help her daughter spell ‘disabled’. She was then brought to tears after reading the letter and seeing just how much Naomi cares about her brother.
She said, “Naomi copes with so much due to her brother’s disabilities so to want to help him is even more special. She is an incredibly special little girl.”
Mrs Gwynne, posted her daughter’s letter on Twitter, asking for people to share it.
South Lanarkshire Council later responded to Mrs Gwynne.
The authority’s head of facilities, waste and grounds services, Alistair McKinnon, said: “All new play areas are designed to incorporate an element of inclusive play. The overall aim is to allow children of all abilities to play together and present a range of experiences and challenges.
“There are six of the 15 items in the newly refurbished play area at Bothwell Road which are classified as inclusive by the manufacturer.
“However, following the heartfelt letter from Naomi and a review of provision in surrounding play parks, we have been able to source a seat which we think may be suitable for Isaac and are looking to have it installed as soon as possible.”
She later tweeted thanking the council for listening to her daughter and shared a screen-grab of their message response.
Miriam Gwynne tweets to thank the Council
Written by April Foster
Credit: The BBC, The Mirror