A MOTHER has expressed her gratitude after the local authority listened to her plea for all children to be treated the same, regardless of disability.

Jack Gerrard, 6, lives in Shotton with his mum Cheryl Woodfin, stepfather, Blu Moss and sister, Sienna-Blu, and he suffers from Angelman Syndrome and epilepsy which has left him unable to walk or talk.

Video and images by Rick Matthews

Cheryl, 39, took to social media to express her frustration about the lack of playing equipment for severely disabled children.

Shotton Town Council took this into consideration and have match funded a swing with Flintshire County Council at North Street Play area.

Cheryl said: “The most important thing is it shows parents of children with additional needs they will be listened to - the help is there. Your child is just as worthy as any other child.

“This is so important to our little family and Jack is going to be so happy. As soon as he couldn’t fit in a baby swing, his fun at the park was basically over.

“This campaign was brought up, addressed quickly, done in exactly the time promised and everyone involved has done it not just for Jack, but all other families of children with additional needs and we are so grateful.”

Jack was born with the condition but was not diagnosed for a long time and due to his condition he is often left housebound.

Earlier this year, the town council promised to have the swing in time for the summer holidays and yesterday handed over the safety harness to Cheryl.

She added: “If you hear laughter coming from the direction of North Street this summer, it will probably be coming from him. He can play with his baby sister without watching from the side lines and that means so much.

“The local community, friends, councillors and council have done more than I ever anticipated, here’s to change, inclusion and awareness for all our children.

“I just want to say thank you to all, it means more to Jack than anyone realises, except maybe Blu and I.”

Gary Cooper, chair of Shotton Town Council, said he could not have done it without the help of ward councillor Ron Davies and support from the council as well as Richard Roberts, play designs officer.

He added: "As chair I'm pleased to have seen this through. We have a duty to listen to the needs of our people and it's what we will do."

Cllr Ron Davies said it is a huge success to have seen the purchase of the swing and there are plans in place to refurbish the rest of the park so it can be enjoyed by all.