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October 31st 2007
Coast & Country has stepped in to help a five-year-old boy whose special chair was destroyed in an arson attack just weeks after he started school.

Oliver Cooper has achondroplasia, which restricts the growth of his arms and legs. In July he was given the specially-adapted chair, costing £2,500, which allowed him to move around school and sit comfortably during lessons.

But earlier this month it went up in smoke during the fire at St Mary’s School in Grangetown. Now Coast & Country is buying a replacement.

Chief Executive Iain Sim said: “We were determined to do something when we heard about Oliver’s chair. It seems that he had made a really good start at school and it would be a real shame if his progress was affected.”

He added: “This fire has been awful for the children, staff and parents. When something like this happens it is important that the local community does it all it can to help. We are delighted to assist Oliver.”

Oliver and his 140 schoolmates are having lessons in makeshift classes at St Andrew’s RC Church Hall, a mile away from St Mary’s.

Headteacher Sue Lemmon said: “It had been a real problem finding the right chair in the first place. Oliver had been at our nursery and we were worried about how we would manage, but the chair really helped. It gave him the independence he needed.”

Oliver’s classroom was in the worst affected area of the school. Sue said: “His teacher had worked so hard making the room so bright and informative. All that has now gone. But at least something positive has come out of a terrible event for us. We have been overwhelmed by the response of Coast & Country, the parents and the rest of the community.”

Oliver’s new chair is on order and should be ready for him in a few weeks. Meanwhile work is underway at St Mary’s. Oliver and his classmates could be back early in the New Year.

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