Paula Hudgell’s Heartbreaking Encounter at Theme Park: Son Denied Access to Rides Due to Disability

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Paula Hudgell, the adoptive mother of eight-year-old Tony, has spoken out after her son, who lost both legs due to abuse by his birth parents, was denied access to most rides at Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for greater accessibility in public spaces, especially for disabled children.

A Visit to Chessington Turns Heartbreaking
Paula and Tony, who visited the theme park with friends, were initially excited for a fun day out. However, Tony, who uses prosthetic legs, was only allowed to go on one ride: the baby carousel. Paula’s reaction was one of immense frustration and anger. She took to Twitter to express her feelings, saying that “furious doesn’t come close” to describing her response. The experience was a stark reminder that even in a world that prides itself on being inclusive, there are still significant barriers for children with disabilities.

“We even tried to queue up for the little rides but Tony was refused access to those as well,” Paula said in an interview with BBC Breakfast. The situation has not only left her feeling upset but has also reignited her advocacy for better accessibility for disabled children, something she has championed ever since Tony’s life was forever changed by abuse.

Tony’s Tragic Background

Tony’s story is one of unimaginable hardship. The young boy, from Kings Hill in Kent, lost both his legs due to the abuse inflicted by his birth parents. In 2018, they were sentenced to 10 years in prison for their role in the abuse. Since then, Tony has been living with his adoptive family, who have been strong advocates for children’s rights, particularly when it comes to accessibility and ensuring that children with disabilities are not excluded from the joys of childhood.

Paula, along with her family, has worked tirelessly to campaign for tougher sentencing for child abusers and has raised awareness about the barriers that disabled children face. Her latest experience at Chessington is a painful reminder that even after all the work done to advocate for change, there are still significant challenges for families like hers.

Chessington’s Response and Apology
After the incident, Chessington World of Adventures issued a statement through its managing director, Mike Vallis. He apologized to Paula and Tony, acknowledging that the experience must have been upsetting. However, he emphasized that the park’s primary concern is safety, stating, “Safety is our number one priority.” Vallis explained that the park has three main principles for ride access: that guests must be securely fastened in vehicles at all times, be able to brace themselves against the ride’s movements, and that the park must be able to evacuate individuals in case of an emergency.

While these safety guidelines are important, Vallis’ explanation has done little to ease the frustration felt by Paula and her supporters. Many feel that the park’s accessibility limitations are not just about safety but also about a lack of inclusive design, which could allow for children like Tony to fully experience the joy of visiting the park.

The Ongoing Struggle for Inclusivity
Alison Kerry, head of communications at Scope, a disability equality charity, expressed sympathy for the family’s experience, saying, “There are a huge number of disabled children being excluded from the joys of childhood.” Kerry pointed out that these kinds of exclusions are still far too common, highlighting the need for inclusive design from the very beginning. “It’s about thinking about inclusive design right from the start and making it an inclusive experience for absolutely everybody,” Kerry added.

This sentiment resonates with many who feel that public spaces, including theme parks, should be designed in a way that accommodates all children, regardless of their physical abilities. In fact, many believe that the exclusion Tony experienced could have been avoided had Chessington prioritized accessibility in its design from the start.

Chessington’s Future Plans for Accessibility
While the situation at Chessington has sparked public outcry, Vallis did express that the park is actively working to improve accessibility. “We want everyone to come to Chessington to have a fantastic day. We want to improve accessibility,” he said. The park has pledged to work with ride manufacturers to make both new and existing attractions more accessible to all guests, especially those with physical disabilities.

This commitment is encouraging, but for many, it comes too late for children like Tony, who are left to face the painful reality of being excluded from experiences that other children take for granted.

A Call for Change

This incident has highlighted the ongoing struggle for equal access to recreational spaces for disabled children. While theme parks like Chessington may offer some accommodations, the reality is that many children with disabilities are still unable to fully participate in these experiences. For Paula Hudgell and her family, this latest setback is not just a personal disappointment but a rallying cry for change. It’s a reminder that even after years of advocacy and awareness, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the same childhood joys.

Paula’s outcry is not just about her son’s experience at Chessington—it’s about the millions of children who face similar challenges every day. The fight for inclusive design, both in theme parks and beyond, continues.