Swindon’s 6-year-old Ada Minton, who has been diagnosed with Leukodystrophy, is gearing up to participate in the fully-inclusive Parallel Games.
The Parallel Games, scheduled to take place in Windsor Park on Sunday, July 2nd, 2023, is a remarkable event that embraces diversity and inclusivity, welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities. Participants can choose from a range of distances, including 100m, 1k, 5k, 10k, and a sensory 1k.
Joining Ada in this inspiring endeavor will be her mother, Loran Minton (38), her father, Chris Minton (33), and her twin brother, Alfred Minton (6).
Leukodystrophy, the condition Ada faces, affects the white matter in her brain, hindering proper communication between her brain and muscles. Consequently, she experiences challenges with speech, motor skills, and balance. Ada relies on a wheelchair for mobility and requires a specialized car seat to ensure her safety.
As Ada continued to grow, her family found themselves in need of a new car seat. However, due to her delayed muscle development and weakness in her neck, they required assistance. Fortunately, Variety, the Children’s Charity, stepped in and was able to procure and fund the perfect car seat for Ada, ensuring her safety and well-being.
Variety, the Children’s Charity, plays a crucial role in providing practical support to disabled and disadvantaged children and young people. Their contributions include the provision of wheelchairs, specialised equipment, memorable experiences through their Great Days Out program, and their renowned fully accessible Sunshine Coaches for SEND schools.
In representation of Variety, the Children’s Charity, Ada and her family eagerly anticipate their participation in the Parallel Games. This event not only highlights Ada’s remarkable determination but also showcases the incredible support and opportunities offered by Variety to children in need.
Talking about the event, Ada’s mum Loran said, “We were invited by Variety to take part in the Parallel Games and when we watched the video, we just thought it was an incredible event – so inclusive and really special. Ada will absolutely love it!
“Trying to work things out as a family of four and do things that interest and include both children is tough. Ada can become very frustrated with her body’s limitations and this can be tough on Alfred too, as sometimes we have to leave or miss things, though this is rare as Chris and I do everything we can because we don’t want either of our children to miss out on anything.
“Alfred can always make Ada laugh and he is just amazing with her. Ada and Alfred are beautiful inside and out: they are both so caring and their love for each other is so strong and they have such a wonderful twin bond. This is why the Parallel Games is so special as it’s something we can all do together.”
