Carrickfergus girl’s new swing a lockdown ‘life-saver’ for family

A Carrickfergus girl with a rare genetic disorder has found a new specialised swing a game changer during lockdown.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Abby Paton can for the first time enjoy being safely pushed in the adapted swing in her own garden thanks to support from a children’s charity.

The five-year-old has Rett syndrome, which impacts her life in a number of ways including frequent seizures, and an inability to walk, use her hands and communicate verbally.

Mum, Kelly, who described her daughter as very happy and smiley, says: “Abby, loves the sensation of swinging, but we found it was unsafe to push her in an ordinary swing as she can’t grip on. Abby would also lean forwards a lot, so we were worried she could fall out. We tried holding onto Abby whilst pushing her but she wasn’t getting the full experience of being in a swing.”

Abby enjoying her adapted swing.Abby enjoying her adapted swing.
Abby enjoying her adapted swing.

Children Today provided £355.77 for the equipment, which holds her in so she is secure and comfortable.

Kelly adds: “The harness is great because it fully holds her in and supports her and no matter what she does with her hands she’s safe in the swing. You can give her a proper push and let her enjoy it the way that other kids do.”

The adapted swing has brought lots of joy, reassurance and ease to the family as Kelly explained how simple, everyday things can prove to be difficult.

She adds: “Abby can sometimes walk holding hands with two people either side of her. But even taking her out into the garden can be difficult because of the steps down.

“Being able to use the swing at home is great. Abby loves the feeling of going back and forth and feeling the wind on her face, she particularly enjoys being pushed by her big brother. She’s out there at every opportunity.”

Looking back on when the family had to isolate for two weeks, Kelly said the swing made a big difference. She says: “We didn’t leave the house at all, not even for a walk - so the swing was a life-saver.”

Emma Prescott, charity director of Children Today Charitable Trust, says: “We’re over the moon to hear about how Abby’s adapted swing has benefitted her and her family throughout lockdown.

“Every child deserves to have fun and enjoy themselves with the reassurance that they’re completely safe and comfortable. It’s wonderful that Abby’s specialised swing arrived at just the right time for the family as it provided some light and joy during a time of isolation. I am certain this piece of equipment will continue to bring happiness to Abby and her family for many years to come.”

As a small charity, which is entirely on voluntary donations, Children Today always welcomes contributions.

Emma continued: “No matter how big or small, each donation makes a big difference to the lives of children and young people, like Abby, living with disabilities across the UK.”

If you would like to support the charity or are interested in applying for a grant, visit www.childrentoday.org.uk or call 01244 335622.

Click here to read: Medical staff praised after Larne baby’s surgery

--

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers. Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.

Related topics: