INSPIRATIONAL dads Michael and Paul Atwal-Brice will not be deterred by mindless acts of vandalism after thugs targeted their ‘Autism Allotments’ site earlier this week.
The devoted pair have two sets of twins - Levi and Lucas, and Lotan and Lanson.
Levi and Lucas both have severe autism, developmental delay, severe learning difficulties, are pre-verbal, and can require round-the-clock care and supervision.
They are also severely epileptic and have been hospitalised throughout their lives due to seizures.
The duo have successfully set up the Autism Allotments site on Togo Street - a sensory garden for autistic children across Barnsley.
It’s been a huge success and now the pair are hoping to create something for adults with learning disabilities - a project called Accessible Allotments.
But despite everything they have done for the local community - they were targeted by vandals earlier this week.
Michael told the Chronicle: “From the outside the bell has been smashed.
“It must have been hit with a real whack because it’s caused some damage.
“There’s also been some offensive words written on our sing.
“It’s not kids that are doing it.
“It’s just really annoying that this has happened because no one makes a penny from this.”
Michael said that they won’t be deterred by this - but admit that it will only make things harder.
“This is all voluntary,” he added.
“We won’t be deterred.
“Some people would love it if we pack up and just left but we’re not going to do that.
“The community are just so supportive - we’re going to carry on.
“It just makes things a lot harder for us.
“It’s a real shame that this happened.
“It’s really hard raising funds and we don’t have a lot of money at the minute.
“The fact that we’re going to have to use that money to replace things that we already have is frustrating.
“But it’s not going to stop us.”
The allotment site has already been back up and running this week - and that’s how Michael wants things to be.
He added: “People are working really hard here.
“We had a school up earlier this week and that’s what we want to focus on - not vandalism.
“So many people have been supportive but others can’t just go round smashing stuff up.
“We’ve only got enough funds to keep us ticking over.
“The council and Stephanie Peacock have been great and so helpful.”
Barnsley South MP Stephanie has been a long-term supporter of the duo, and has offered her help to get the site back on track.
She said: “I am saddened to hear about the vandalism that has taken place, causing damage to Autism Allotments’ property.
“This is a shocking display of antisocial behaviour, and I condemn the actions of the few perpetrators.
“I want to take this opportunity to tell Paul and Michael how much their organisation means to families across Barnsley, and that this is not representative of how proud our community is for facilities like theirs.
“I will be following up with South Yorkshire Police on this matter.”
