Latchford stroke survivor fights for equality for disabled children

She hopes to improve facilities in Warrington for disabled children like herself, and to her surprise she received a response.

Our Lady's Catholic Primary School pupil, Sofia Dobson wrote a letter to current PM Rishi Sunak and King Charles III asking for help to make changes to public parks and swimming facilities so that disabled children can use and access them like every other child.

Sofia read out her manifesto to pupils, parents and teachers at Our Lady's Primary School (Image: Supplied)

Sofia, from Latchford, had a stroke two days after she was born which has left her needing to use a wheelchair.

In her proposal to the monarch and leader of the country, she said: “I am a stroke survivor.

“I was voted class Prime Minister at my school for my manifesto about equality for children and people with disabilities like me.

“My disability does not make me different to my friends, but when my friends talk about playing in the park and having fun learning to swim, it makes me sad and left out because I cannot go swimming or play on parks as I cannot access them.”

The proposal came about after her year four class was challenged with the task of writing a manifesto of ways to implement change in the country that they would each read out to the class in front of teachers and parents.

Sofia and her support dog won a national award at the People's Pet Awards last year (Image: Supplied)

Sofia’s mum, Sarah Dobson, said there was not a single dry eye in the room as Sofia stood up to read out her impressive and emotional speech to fight for equality.

“She spoke of how her disability does not define her. All the parents were crying listening to her,” Sarah said.

“She gets upset when she hears her friends talk about playing in the park and going swimming, she has to listen, but she cannot do those things. She was things to be inclusive.”

Sofia, a winner of a Warrington Guardian inspiration award winner, was voted Prime Minister at school for her powerful speech, and this empowered her to take her fight further.

Her letter to Rishi Sunak continued: “I want to ask you to help me change this. I want to make sure every child can go to the park, even if they have a wheelchair.

“Every child should have the chance to swim, but nowhere can teach me because of my disability.

“I want to be the voice for everyone that needs my help.”

Sofia was over the moon to get her response from Mr Sunak (Image: Supplied)

Last month, a letter came through the post from number 10 in response to Sofia.

Mr Sunak ‘applauded’ Sofia’s passion. He said: “Having a disability should not stop people, of any age, from living happy, independent lives.”

He detailed Government plans in 2023 and 2024 to improve facilities for those with disabilities on a national scale.

Speaking of Sofia’s reaction when she saw the letter of response, Sarah said: “She was so excited. We have framed the letter and the school have framed it too.”

Sarah added how much of an inspiration her daughter is, saying: “She is unbelievable. When she was born, the doctor said she was the most poorly child in the hospital.

“Despite that, she has always come back kicking and smiling.”