Helpers transform boy's garden in 48 hours

Two organisations got together to redesign Oscar's garden

A boy with cerebral palsy can finally enjoy his own garden after organisations pulled together to transform the site within 48 hours.

Eight-year-old Oscar lives in Swindon and his family said a slope in the garden made it unsuitable for a wheelchair which would roll down.

"Poor Oscar has only been up on the deck the last three or four years," his dad Scott said.

Charity WellChild and employees from financial advisers Openwork pulled together to create a new flat area that includes play equipment for Oscar.

Matt James, chief executive of the charity, said they are looking at doing 30 similar projects across the country this year.

"We take for granted what it's like to have an outside space but to be able to bring the family together outside has real benefits," he said.

"We really hope this is going to be a new space they can enjoy for years to come."

Matt James from WellChild said they are aiming to do 30 similar projects this year

Oscar's mum Helen said to see the number of people working on the project had been "overwhelming".

"It's just amazing, they've worked so hard," she said, adding Oscar will benefit from the revamped garden.

"At the moment, he's still getting used to new surroundings, because he likes things that are very familiar but I think the more we come out here he's going to love it," she said.

"He absolutely adores the swings so at least we can get him onto that relatively easily now."

The garden has been made flat and Oscar's mum said it will be easier to use the swing

Openwork said it had a different team for each of the two days.

Alex Davis from the company said it was exciting for people to come away from their usual jobs to help out.

"Being able to go outdoors, to interact with the world around you, to feel the rain, feel the sun, it will really add to that child's life," he added.

Teams worked over the two days to get the work done