Tetrosomy tot gets safe garden at last

Little Annie Mansell is all smiles - because she finally has a safe and secure garden and can at last do what all four-year-olds enjoy - she can play.

For the first time she can be outdoors with her older sister Ruby and her parents will not have to constantly watch and supervise her.

Annie is one of only 100 girls in the world to suffer from a genetic condition called Tetrosomy X which limits her physical development.

That means, amongst other problems, she has serious balance problems so despite her love of being in the garden of her Wombwell home - it was full of potential danger.

But now Annie, of Neville Close, can play all day safe and secure after children's charity WellChild stepped in to transform the garden.

Dangerous paving slabs have been taken up and an insecure fence ripped down and the entire garden given a new look- and feel.

There is artificial grass, a soft and safe play area, rubber flooring and specialist play equipment.

Lee Trunks, who was in charge of the Helping hands project said: "The old garden was totally unsuitable for Annie.

"She has kept a close eye on all the work we and the volunteers have done over the past few days looking through the window and was so excited when she finally got to come outside and play in her new garden."

Annie's mum Rachel said: "Everything before was a potential danger - even the grass could cause problems because Annie tends to put everything in her mouth. We could never have let her out without constantly watching her.

"We could never ever have achieved a garden like the one she has now. It is perfect for her and she has not stopped smiling since she first stepped outside.

"Annie absolutely loves being outside and to now have a garden that is safe and fun means so much."