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“It may be more cost efficient for you to purchase an annual pass for Thomas that will automatically have a free carers admission included with every visit (which can be different carers each time), however to purchase an annual pass for the second carer it does need to be the same carer as the pass will require a name and photograph."Īfter the incident, John purchased an Access Card from charity Nimbus, to which Blue Planet is listed as a ‘Named and Famed’ attraction and ‘accredited provider’. Thomas is more than welcome to bring two carers with him however, we are only able to provide one free of charge. He said: “If you spent 30 seconds with Tom, you would know that he needs two carers.” In correspondence between the firm and John from August 2022, Blue Planet said: “Unfortunately, it is our policy for only one carer to receive free admission with a service user. Thomas uses a powered wheelchair, he cannot sit or stand, he suffers complex epilepsy and can have multiple seizures a day he is fed with a PEG tube, cannot talk, is registered blind, and is only three months developmentally, according to his father. We admit a maximum of one free of charge carer per eligible paying guest, with additional carers requiring a valid ticket.” "We accept a wide range of forms of eligibility, including Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment letter, a letter from a GP or Consultant confirming the need for a full time carer, or a valid Access Card displaying the ‘essential companion symbol’. A spokesperson for Blue Planet Aquarium said: “Blue Planet Aquarium has always provided guests with health conditions or impairments a free of charge carer’s ticket upon proof of eligibility. Neston MP Justin Madders asked Blue Planet to "reconsider their stance". Now, he has to pay an extra £25.25 every time he visits the attraction on top of his £75.75 annual membership. Read more: Teenage girl accused of Brianna Ghey murder had 'notes' about serial killersīlue Planet Aquarium refused to shift its policy even though an NHS assessment found that Thomas required two-to-one care. Read more: Horror as teenager rushed to hospital after being hit by tram in town centre However, he had not visited since June 2022 after the family was told only one carer could accompany him based on his current membership, Joe said. He has held a membership at the aquarium for much of his life and used to attend weekly in the winter. Thomas has a learning disability and requires complex medical care, Cheshire Live reports. Joe Griffiths, father of Thomas, 20, accused the attraction at Ellesmere Port of discriminating against disabled people after he was told its policy refused entry for his son's two carers, which meant he would need to pay for an extra ticket so he could attend. Blue Planet Aquarium is being urged to change its policy after a young disabled man was forced to "choose between essential care and enjoying a day out".