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I have not always been a Disabled person, but I grew up with a Disabled Nana and learned through those experiences and through the examples set by the caring nature of my incredible Mum that I should always look out for those less fortunate than myself and try to help wherever I can.
I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease at the age of 19. Although I managed to have a very good life as a professional musical theatre performer for 12 years following that diagnosis, my condition worsened with each passing year. This led to unimaginable pain, missing out on things such as having a family and progressing in what had been a promising career.
Things became so bad that in 2013, I finally had to give in to the fact that I could no longer do anything in terms of work or pretty much anything else that I wanted to do.
Challenging times and new beginnings
My mother was such an incredible support to me. When I lost her in 2015, I was devastated as the only full-time support I had was gone, and I was frankly terrified about what would happen to me.
Over time, I decided that I could not just give up, as that was not the way my mother had brought me up. I wanted to do my best to carry on her legacy despite my own issues.
By this point, I had got my long wished for dog. I rescued Poppy in 2017, but she rescued me too. She got me out of the house even though I had to go on a mobility scooter that a friend had very kindly given me because I could not afford to buy one.
I started to take Poppy to Lea Farm Park, which is the park I played in from birth as far as I can remember! I spent many happy times there from childhood to my teens, but I never imagined ending up back there, unable to walk one day.
Accessibility concerns
In the winter months, when it rained, the ground became so muddy that my scooter would frequently get bogged down in it, and if there was no one else in the park, I would have to sit there and wait for someone to come and help get me out.
This became such an issue that I decided I had to act. So I started a petition both online and a hard copy one to get a perimeter path installed at the park.
If you happened to be in the park at the same time as me in 2019, I would be extremely surprised if you were not confronted by me saying “Have you signed my petition!” It became my catchphrase, and people used to see me coming on my scooter and say, “Yes we’ve signed it, we’ve signed it!”
Progress secured into the future
In the end, I had enough signatures to go to the local council and with the brilliant support of local councillors Tim Williams, Kareen Hastrick, Jenny Pattinson, Amanda Grimston and Mayor Peter Taylor, the petition was put to full council.
And in February 2020, I was informed that not only had it been passed to give us a perimeter path around the park, but also an allocation of funds for the next two financial years had been provided, to make other improvements in the park and plant more greenery and flowers to make it a haven for wildlife.
I was absolutely over the moon, not just for me but because I have managed to prove that people power can work.
Karen’s story is a wonderful example of how something that might initially be perceived as an adjustment or improvement for one person, really is for the benefit of the whole community. Lea Farm Park has improved immensely since the perimeter path has been installed and has recently been awarded Green Flag status. It is now being frequently used by a wider range of local residents and for all kinds of activities. It is no longer a muddy “field” just for dog walkers.”
Get Yourself Active Programme Manager, Anna Denham
I get such joy when I hear people saying things like: “Oh I’m so glad there is a path here now – my son/daughter/grandchildren have learnt to ride their bikes without getting muddy; I can bring my mum/dad/grandparents here now that there is a path.”
All because they’re not very steady on their feet or they have to use a wheelchair or, like me, a mobility scooter.
The positive feedback has just been phenomenal. It has helped me realise that I can still have a positive impact despite my health stopping the life I wanted to lead.
I could not be happier that what started off as a list of names and signatures turned into a facility that has made a huge difference to everyone that uses the park. It just shows what difference accessibility can make to everyone’s lives.
Get Yourself Active Programme Manager, Anna Denham says, “Karen’s story is a wonderful example of how something that might initially be perceived as an adjustment or improvement for one person, really is for the benefit of the whole community. Lea Farm Park has improved immensely since the perimeter path has been installed and has recently been awarded Green Flag status. It is now being frequently used by a wider range of local residents and for all kinds of activities. It is no longer a muddy “field” just for dog walkers.”
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