Theme Park Wish Granted for Adults with Learning Disabilities

A group of adults living with learning disabilities recently achieved a long-held aspiration by visiting a theme park. This excursion to Butlin’s Minehead was arranged following the group’s participation in a film that underscored the significance of discussing mortality. During the film’s production, Briony Lane, a 40-year-old resident of Taunton, voiced her desire to experience a theme park prior to her passing. Ms. Lane described the experience as a “dream come true.” Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset, she characterized it as “Magical.” She further stated, “We enjoyed planning what we wanted to do and we all had lots of fun. “I enjoyed sharing the day out with my friends.” Kai, a friend of Briony’s, also took part in the day’s activities. He remarked, “I got to do art and that.” Kai added, “It was amazing, we had a brilliant time.” Ms. Lane and her six companions received a welcome from the resort’s renowned Redcoats. They then engaged in seasonal arts and crafts, which included painting pottery and creating Christmas decorations, before attending a live performance. Ms. Lane identified the dinosaur-themed live show and the “free lunch” as particular highlights of her day. Craig Goodwin, the resort director at Butlin’s Minehead, commented, “We’re delighted to have been a part of such an amazing day with the My Day Care Services and NHS Somerset teams. As soon as we were made aware that visiting a theme park was on Briony’s bucket list, we knew we had to fulfil her wish.” Rachel Donne-Davis, a health psychologist and member of the Learning from Lives and Deaths (LeDeR) team at NHS Somerset, stated, “Fulfilling Briony’s bucket list wish demonstrates how something positive can come out of talking about difficult topics.” Ms. Lane attends My Day Care Services in Taunton five days each week. Lucy Durman, the director, conveyed that they were not only “thrilled” to spend the day at Butlin’s but also “incredibly proud of being part of this powerful film.” She concluded, “It has been a rewarding journey.” For updates from BBC Somerset, follow them on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.