Fundraiser aims to build sensory space at Wigan Royal Albert Hospital

After her son Otis was diagnosed as non-verbal autistic, Jessie Hunt felt there was a lack of understanding, training, and resources available to support children like Otis.

Frustrated with the perceived lack of support at Wigan Hospital, Jessie, from Wigan, has attended "countless" meetings advocating for change and has showcased a family film and a document titled 'Otis' Voice' to hospital bosses.

The document highlights Otis' story and the experience of many other children with special needs, in order to make a list of "reasonable adjustments" to provide an inclusive healthcare journey at Wigan's Royal Albert Hospital.

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Jessie experienced a 'lack of understanding' after Otis was diagnosed as non-verbal autistic (Image: Little Daisies Photography)

Throughout Jessie's fight, she has also reached out to other parents and carers to understand their experiences.

On this journey, this is how she connected with Gaynor Kirrane, who requalified as a teaching assistant for children with special needs after her son Harrison was diagnosed with autism and ADHD.

Gaynor retrained as a teaching assistant following her son's diagnosis (Image: Gaynor Kirrane)
After experiencing a lack of understanding around special needs provision, Gaynor launched her 'SenSability' organisation last year, to advocate for improved SEND provision, deliver sessions at local schools and community groups, and offers support and guidance for parents.

The Tyldesley mum-of-two, who works as a special needs assistant at a mainstream school in Leigh, said that some of the parents have been "gobsmacked" at the level of care, support, and inclusiveness at SenSability, compared to what they are used to.

A fundraising event for a new sensory space will take place on July 27 (Image: Little Daisies Photography)
After Jessie has grown her network of parents fighting for change, she says she has been given the green light to make her project a reality at Wigan Hospital.

To raise funds for a sensory space at the hospital, a special fundraiser at Bolton's Open Air Bounce facility this weekend, which will include a range of activities including inflatables, face painting, trampolines, rides, tombola, and raffles.

Taking place at Open Air Bounce on Saturday, July 27, tickets can be found here.

The fundraiser takes place at Open Air Bounce on July 27 (Image: Gaynor Kirrane)