Paralympian Aaron Phipps to open outdoor play area owned by Apex Outdoor Spaces at Longdown Activity Farm in Ashurst.

Paralympian Aaron Phipps will officially open a new outdoor play area with disability friendly features including a wheelchair swing at Longdown Activity Farm in Ashurst.

The new facility, designed and created by designers Phil Lovelock and Matt Harris, of Apex Outdoor Spaces, will be officially opened by Aaron at a ceremony on 20th May at 10.30am.

Aaron is a British wheelchair rugby champion who jointly with his team mates won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

Owner of Longdown Activity Farm, Bryan Pass, said: “My wife Dawn and I are delighted to offer this latest opportunity for inclusivity at Longdown. Our long-running assisted needs educational programme has given local students the confidence to develop practical and social skills using the farm as a facilitator.

“During 2012, we installed a Changing Places unit with adult-sized equipment, which gives those that need the facility the dignity and privacy that we all enjoy.

“However, it is the latest edition of the all-inclusive play equipment that gives us the greatest pleasure – the sight of the happy, laughing faces enjoying the wheelchair swing is simply priceless.”

Aaron was struck down with meningitis C and meningococcal sepsis at the age of 15, losing both his legs as a result. But despite his disabilities Aaron has never let them hold him back.

As well as achieving some incredible sporting goals, he has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.

Phil said: “It has been challenging at times, and the extreme weather held us up, but we delivered the finished area just inside our given deadline.

“It’s so rewarding to see the happiness that this project has created.”