Jenson’s story: A first visit to Cheltenham Town

Cheltenham

Meet Jenson Whitehouse, an eleven-year-old from Gloucestershire with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who was invited to watch his first football match at Cheltenham Town.

Dave Hardy, the Club’s Matchday Disability Liaison Officer, reached out to Jenson’s family after hearing about a recent upsetting experience they had travelling on a train for his weekly treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic condition that weakens and degenerates muscles.

Jenson and his mum, Chantal, were on a packed train travelling to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London last month and after boarding, the wheelchair space on the train located in first class, was blocked by two large suitcases.

After having to stand in the aisle for a while and ask passengers who owned the suitcases and if they could move them, a passenger finally acknowledged they were his, but kept asking, “have you got first class tickets?”

After an experience that left them feeling upset and unwelcomed, additional issues arose when they changed trains, with no ramp there to meet them.

The story was covered by BBC Gloucestershire and Jenson’s dad Garry was invited to speak on the radio to raise awareness about the challenges wheelchair users face when travelling on trains.

Dave made contact with the family and Jenson and Garry were able to attend our Sky Bet League Two clash with Fleetwood Town.

Upon arriving at the EV Charger Points Stadium, they were greeted by the Supporter Services Group and were taken pitchside before the match.

We’d like to thank Jenson and Garry for joining us and hope you enjoyed your Robins experience!

 

 

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Cheltenham Town Football Club

Cheltenham Town Football Club is Gloucestershire's first Football League club and they play in the Second Division.

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