Local businesses are transforming an overgrown and inaccessible garden for an exhausted mum and her three children who are all disabled and currently are not able to use it.
Zoe Mosley's son Finley, six, suffers from a rare genetic condition called Digeorge Syndrome and autism and requires around-the-clock care. He uses a wheelchair and at the moment is unable to explore the garden.
Ava, 11, has been diagnosed with autism and lives with a rare eye condition that can one day lead to blindness.
She struggles not having a space that she is able to use to wind down away from her siblings and the outdoors has always been Ava’s calming space.
READ MORE: Roadworks at key A34 junction set to last all week
And Isabella, who is nine, and is diagnosed with autism and ADHD and has a very high energy level that often leaves mum Zoe exhausted with no other options of stimulation in the house.
Now with help from local businesses the garden is about to undergo a 'DIY SOS'-style makeover creating a low-maintenance garden with decking, bark chips and lots of sensory plants.
Buildbase Oxford is supplying all the materials for free while M&M skip hire may be supplying a skip for free.
Charlbury Garden Centre, independent builders' merchant Huws Grey, Botanique Garden Design and Tony Bradley Building Services are also involved.
Zoe, who suffers from PTSD following an abusive relationship, has always put the children before herself, said her stepfather.
James Oakey said: "Zoe, Ava, Isabella and Finley would completely benefit from using their garden. This is a space that has been inaccessible for them for a long time and is now beginning to have a negative effect, as the children feel they do not have any space away from each other when they’re feeling overwhelmed and over stimulated.
"This space will allow them to safely wind down, release all of that extra energy and sensory seek, which are all calming methods when it comes to autism and ADHD.
READ MORE: Unpopular plans for 80 houses in Oxfordshire village refused
"Finley would be able to enjoy a garden like an able child of his age - which is especially important now he is at an age where he is discovering life for him is different.
"For Zoe this will greatly help her mental health, being able to wind down in a calm space away from the responsibilities of the children."
Zoe's mum Kim added: “All three children have health problems and my daughter is a single parent and it’s hard for her to keep the garden under control.
“It would be nice for her too to be able to sit in the garden and relax."
British Garden Centres said it brings their Charlbury team "immense pride that we have been able to contribute to Zoe Moseley and her children’s garden to bring some special magic to the family home.
"We have donated a Charles Taylor four-seater dining set which will provide the family with a space for respite and to relax and socialise together in the garden.
"It is well documented how the outdoors is good for wellbeing and promotes calmness and we hope the new garden serves as a venue for the Moseleys to come together with friends and family and make memories in.”
Mrs Oakey said: “Zoe's friend came up with the idea to help and support her. She was a little embarrassed at first but she’s got a lot on her plate and now materials have started arriving she’s very excited.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here