Reality TV star Kelsey Stratford has fumed over the treatment of her terminally ill sister at a kids' disco.
The TOWIE star's sister, Kennedy, 12, was said to have been asked to leave the venue due to being unable to sit up or stand. Kennedy was diagnosed with the spinal muscular atrophy type 1 at just a few weeks old.
The diagnosis has left the youngster paralysed from the neck down, unable to speak and swallow properly. According to the NHS, Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is "a rare genetic condition that can cause muscle weakness. It gets worse over time".
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Instagram)Speaking to The Sun following the incident, Kelsey fumed at the "unfair" decision by the venue, saying her sister "feels even more left out and hurt in a life that has already given her so much pain". Kelsey revealed the "cruel illness" may have taken her sister's ability to move, but hadn't affected her "beautiful mind".
She said: "She was so excited to finally feel included at a kids' rave, only to be unfairly thrown out because she couldn’t sit up. She faces unimaginable struggles every day, yet this was a moment she truly looked forward to—something that could have brought her joy."
The disappointment was also shared by her stepdad Paul who had explained how Kennedy had initially been allowed entry before being asked to leave. On Instagram, he wrote: "So yesterday my beautiful princess Kennedy had a ticket to Little Ravers xmas party @ Popworld Southend.
"Kennedy had been looking forward to this for a year as she loves both a rave and party. They let Kennedy in and all was OK, only for them to come up to us stating unless Kennedy can sit up she will have to leave, had to take a breath before realising they were throwing out a little girl, who was already dancing and singing, out because she couldn't sit or stand!”
He alleged he was told Kennedy wasn't able to attend due to the risk involved. "Remember Kennedy is hearing all this, cognitively she is not disabled, as they demand she leaves like she is a threat to the public and other children!," he added. "Disgusting behaviour from the individuals involved!!"
A spokesperson for Popworld, told The Sun: “We’re very sorry for the distress this situation has caused Kennedy and her family. We strive to be inclusive and events like Little Ravers are designed for all families to enjoy, so parents and carers can come with their children to have fun in an exciting new environment.
“We take accessibility very seriously and guest safety is our absolute priority. However, it’s clear on this occasion we got this wrong and we are thoroughly reviewing our risk assessment measures, and team training, to make sure this doesn’t happen again. We are in contact with Kennedy's parents and hope we can welcome her and her family back again soon.”
Kelsey has previously shared updates on her sister's health. She is also an ambassador for Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK.
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