Oliver’s Backyard

Oliver is a 9 year old boy living with autism, alongside hypermobility and mobility challenges following treatment for leukaemia, which he was diagnosed with just two days after his third birthday. The impact of his treatment has left him with reduced strength in his legs, making everyday movement, play, and development more difficult.

Before his diagnosis, Oliver was a happy and active young boy. But after months of treatment, illness, and time spent indoors, much of his early childhood was shaped by hospital stays and recovery. Since then, he has found comfort and regulation through simple outdoor moments like swinging, exploring, and being in nature.

Spending time outside plays a crucial role in Oliver’s wellbeing. It helps him regulate, build strength, and feel calm. However, most public spaces are not safe or suitable for his needs. Due to his autism, Oliver requires secure, enclosed environments, and after a frightening incident where he wandered from a gated park and was missing for hours, his family can no longer safely access most playgrounds without support.

At home, the backyard is currently unusable. It is filled with sand, weeds, and uneven ground, which Oliver is now fearful of and unable to navigate. The existing play equipment is not suitable for his size or needs, limiting his ability to engage in the movement and sensory play he relies on.

Oliver’s mum is doing everything she can to support her children on her own, but without a safe outdoor space, the family is unable to enjoy simple moments together. A secure, accessible backyard with grass, soft surfaces, and appropriate play equipment would allow Oliver to build strength, regulate, and safely enjoy being outside.

After everything he has been through, a space like this would give Oliver the freedom to grow, explore, and simply be a child again.

Your support can help create a safe and life-changing space for Oliver and his family.