Norwich: Disabled access improved at Taverham Nursery Centre

Determined campaigner Danny Dismore, 18, of Fakenham Road, Taverham, has been campaigning for improved accessibility at Taverham Nursery Centre.

Danny has Alfi's Syndrome, a rare chromosomal disorder where his ninth chromosome has been deleted.

Danny's dad Julian called his son a characterful lad who has defied all odds (Image: Julian Dismore)

His dad Julian says it's a condition only one in five million people have.

"It was always quite dangerous going in," Julian explained of the popular garden centre site, which also has shops, a deli and a restaurant.

"The gate had no designated area for pedestrians or wheelchairs, so you're walking into the road and taking life into your hands.

The gate at Taverham Nursery Centre before walkways were marked out thanks to Danny's campaign (Image: Julian Dismore)

"But Danny decided to do something about it and launched a campaign, spoke to the manager and persuaded them to do something about it."

He explained how his son continues to defy all odds.

"Danny has had many challenges in his life but is such a characterful lad," he said.

"He always fights to overcome them.

Danny, 18, campaigned for designated pedestrian zones at Taverham Nursery Centre (Image: Julian Dismore)

"We were told he would never walk or talk, but he's proved doctors wrong."

Danny explained how everyone benefits because of his campaign, not just wheelchair users.

"I'm proud to have made a difference," he said.

"It's the best garden centre and I go every day. It's better now the entrance is safer."

Danny was the subject of a CBBC documentary called My Life: Danny The Bravest Boy In The World which aired in February 2020.

Matt Steel, manager at Taverham Nursery Centre, said: "It was pointed out to us that access was awkward from the gates.

Danny Dismore has been described as an amazing character by his dad Julian (Image: Julian Dismore)

"We have marked two walkways from either gate so there's a clearly marked route for pedestrians to walk into the garden centre with a zebra crossing across into the entrance, and another on the way out.

"We're proud to be able to facilitate Danny's campaign to ensure everyone can access our centre safely.

"We put in an adult disabled changing facility at the end of last year so we're trying to make things as accessible as possible."

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned at Taverham Nursery Centre to officially commemorate the new markings next week.