A mum was left heartbroken after staff at a trampolining centre would not let her son take part because he has Down's syndrome.
Gemma Dodsworth said the incident at Flip Out in Clatham, Kent, was "such a shock" as her son George, six, has used the complex before.
The mum-of-three, 34, had taken her kids trampolining as a treat on Saturday but was told customers with the condition must get approval from a GP or paediatrician before they can use the facilities.
Gemma told KentLive she would never let her son do anything if she thought he was in any danger, but the whole experience has left her questioning all the things George loves doing, like street dancing and gymnastics.
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The Walderslade mum said: "It was only when we were going through to take our shoes off, one of the staff members stopped me and George and said, ‘I’m so sorry, I don’t know if you’ve read the signs on the wall, but George can’t go in because he’s got Down's syndrome'."
Gemma was confused because customers normally sign a waiver before those in their care use certain facilities but at Flip Out this is no longer the case, despite George having use the trampolines months before with no issue.
British Gymnastics Association guidelines say some people with Down's syndrome may have issues within the vertebrae of their necks called atlanto-axial instability, prompting the new ruling.
"It just really hit me. I’m a very positive person, I’ve only ever had anything but positivity with George but it was the first time I’ve had anything negative that I’ve come across," said Gemma.
"It was just such a shock to hear someone say that because he has Down's Syndrome he couldn’t do something.
"I’ve always been the type to push him to do everything as normal and typical like my other children.
"I’ve brought them up the same. It was hard. I was very emotional.
The centre was happy to give Gemma a refund and the mum doesn't hold any grudges against the member of staff for informing her of the new company policy.
She said: "She was nearly tearful herself. She felt so guilty having to do it.
"She said, ‘my hands are tied, I’m so sorry’.
"She even refunded us our tickets and said please bring him back next time once he’s had a thorough examination from a doctor and a doctor’s note and we can give him free tickets next time.
"So, I can’t fault the way that they handled it, it was just a shock."
Gemma went on to say George loves trampolining so much he spends his whole summer in the garden on one of his own and she "can't get him off it".
"It’s meant to be good for people with Down's Syndrome because it improves their muscle tone," she continued.
"When he was younger, I was told to promote trampolining because it helps his muscle tone and to strengthen.
"I think as a parent that should be under my discretion and I feel he’s safe to jump," she added.
Addressing the situation on their Facebook page, Flip Out cited the British Gymnastics Association’s guidelines and said people of all ages and abilities are welcome.
A spokesman said: “The British Gymnastics Association (the National Governing Body for Trampolining and Gymnastics) has released guidelines for customers with Down's Syndrome.
"It is possible that certain customers with Down's Syndrome may also have Atlanto-Axial Instability (Instability within the vertebrae in the neck) and as such to ensure their safety, customers with Down’s Syndrome and neck instability will be asked to obtain evidence from a GP or Paediatrician that they have been screened, using the screening test developed by the British Gymnastics Association for Atlanto-Axial Instability.
"We welcome people of all ages and disabilities and certainly don't discriminate.
"We put everyone's health and safety before anything to ensure the arena is safe for all participants."
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