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Special needs pupils' joy at new playground

Listen on BBC Sounds: A new accessible playground has opened in Rudyard, near Leek

Pupils at a special school in Staffordshire have described their newly adapted playground as amazing.

Some of them have never used a swing before and parents have been thanked for raising a quarter of the funds for the site at Rudyard, near Leek.

After overcoming injuries suffered in a lorry crash, Mitch Hulme ran from John O' Groats to Lands End twice to raise the cash for his daughter’s school.

"They’re amazing here at Horton Lodge,” he said. "[My daughter's] development from when she started was phenomenal. That’s why I just wanted to show my thanks."

Six months before he attempted the run, Mr Hulme said he was hit by a lorry and fractured his spine in six places, but recovered in time for his challenge.

He fired a confetti cannon at the ribbon cutting of the new playground at Horton Lodge Special School on 29 November.

Mitch Hulme Three images of the same man stood beside a sign post at John O'Groats and Lands End. In each photo, the man is wearing a lime green running jacket and black shorts and the edge of the coast can be seen in the background. In the left photograph, the man holds up a Stoke City scarf and is wearing a grey beanie hat beside the John O' Groats sign. In the middle image, he is holding up his fists in a pose that shows off his arm muscles. He stands beside the Lands End sign which includes the date 20 June. In the right image, he is in front of the same Lands End sign but the weather looks much cloudier, he is wearing a black beanie and the date reads 21 October.Mitch Hulme
Mr Hulme said he was disappointed not to have reached his fundraising target when arriving at Lands End on 20 June, so ran the same distance again

The 64 pupils enjoyed their first experience of the swings, slide, climbing frame and roundabout, all specially designed for children with disabilities.

"This playground is very spacious," said pupil Charlie, "I think it's going to be a lot better than it was before."

His friend Harrison said the nearest specialised swing was miles away from the school.

Classmate Oliver said he "really liked" his first experience on the new swing.

Two boys in wheelchairs sit in a colourful playground. Behind them children are playing on a playground roundabout. The boy on the left has blonde hair and wears glasses and a black puffer coat. He is holding a black hat in his hands. The boy on the right also wears glasses but wears a red and white Stoke City hat and a blue puffer coat with orange lining. The zip is undone showing his navy school jumper and red polo shirt. They are both smiling.
Harrison (left) with his classmate Charlie said they both loved the new playground

Head teacher Lucy Bloor explained it had taken years to raise funds and then deliver the playground.

It cost in excess of £100,000, 75% of which was funded by Staffordshire County Council and the rest was raised by parents and the wider community.

"The children were so excited and enjoyed every minute of the celebration," Ms Bloor added.

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