William Jennings enjoying the new swing at Beacon Park
William Jennings enjoying the new swing at Beacon Park

A new accessible swing has been officially opened at Beacon Park.

The facility was installed after fundraising work by members of Lichfield Round Table and the family of Isla Elizabeth Hufton, who had Mitochondrial DNA Depletion Syndrome and died when she was just 18 months old.

Her mother Stephanie said her daughter had enjoyed a similar accessible swing and so she was keen to help fundraise for one that other families could use.

She said: “It’s amazing to see the children enjoy the swing, their smiles were priceless and that’s what I wanted for other children to experience.

“In life, it’s those smiles that gets us through the tough times.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has made a contribution to the swing especially to my friends, family, Liz Capewell, work colleagues and customers at Body Beautiful Day Spa, we wouldn’t have been able to make this happen without you all.”

Lichfield Round Table started raising money in 2018 to install the new swing.

Leon Jennings, from the group, said: “Lichfield Round Table were very pleased and honoured to be able to work with Steph, in memory of her daughter Isla, to not only create an area for remembrance, but also bring benefit to the local community and allow children of all abilities to play together.”

The installation costs were paid for by Lichfield District Council.

Councillor Bob Awty, Chairman of the council, said: “A big thank you on behalf of the whole council to all the groups and individuals, as well as the family and friends of Isla Hufton who have helped to raise the money for the accessible swing and supported the project.

“It’s a brilliant new addition to the park and it is lovely to see the first two children try it out.

“We know that many more children will enjoy the swing over the years to come.”

The accessible swing is available for children in wheelchairs to use. It can be accessed with a radar key, which is available from Beacon Park’s Ranger Station.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.