I am a teacher at Rumney Primary School, Cardiff and have the pleasure of teaching two sisters that are very special indeed - Alice & Scarlett Haswell from Cardiff.
Alice has a life-limiting condition called Goldenhar Syndrome which affects her sight, hearing, mobility and feeding. Alice's condition affects everyday life for all the family, especially her big sister Scarlett. The family have been shielding at home since 16th March as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Against all the odds, Alice attends our Reception class in school with the support of Lynne, her key worker, who supports Alice with her learning and medical needs.
Having spoken to the family in early June, their Mum informed me that both the girls were finding it difficult to complete the 'sport' challenges that the school had set for home learning. This was due to the fact that their garden was mainly laid with patio slabs and gravel. Alice is unable to move safely around the garden and this undoubtedly makes 'lockdown' even harder for her.
Mum had said she was keen to lay astro turf down for the girls to run and play on but was unable to source any deliveries or fitters during lockdown. The weather was incredible and the heat was intense, but both girls were restricted to the small patio area.
As their class teacher, I was really upset to think of the girls being unable to run and play in the garden. I decided to contact a local landscaping company for help.
I asked them to consider supporting this family as a charitable/community project. Amazingly the company agreed and Lee Jarman contacted the family the next day to discuss the project.
I was thrilled to hear from the family who are now the proud owners of a beautiful, green lawn for the girls to run, play and roll on.
The kindness and generosity of Jarman’s Garden Services needs recognition, especially at such a difficult time for local independent businesses.
It really is a case of 'The green, green grass of home'!
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