Lynn Harrison has been called an “amazing mum” after she carried her daughter over the finish line
16:03, 28 Jul 2019Updated 19:06, 28 Jul 2019
Tammy was beaming after her mum helped her cross the finish line
A mum from Cambridgeshire has received praise after she ignored school rules to support her disabled daughter during a sports day race.
Lots of people have called Lynn Harrison a ‘wonderful’ mum after staff asked her to leave Tammy’s sports day when she tried to help her daughter finish the race.
Lynn, who has four children and lives in Cambourne, was at Jeavons Wood Primary School watching six-year-old Tammy’s sports day when a staff member told her to leave.
Tammy has cerebral palsy, which causes permanent movement difficulties like poor coordination, stiff muscles, weakness, and tremors.
At last year’s sports day in 2018, Lynn lifted Tammy out of her wheelchair buggy and carried her between her legs during a race so Tammy could feel more involved. She tried to do the same again this year but was stopped by school staff.
Sue Wright, head teacher at Jeavons Wood Primary School, made a statement about what happened and asked that the story not be published.
She said: “If a parent is upset by a decision taken by the school then we have procedures in place to address those concerns. We always try and solve any issues informally but there is a clear complaints procedure to follow if they are not resolved.
“No parent has contacted the school informally or formally to make a complaint about sports day.”
She added that the school really cares about Tammy’s wellbeing and didn’t want to embarrass her.
Despite what staff said, Lynn still helped Tammy cross the finish line and many people have since applauded what she did.
“Well done mum and daughter.” ![]()
(Image: Lynn Harrison)
One person commented on how schools handled it saying: “Damn right that you as a mum should be there all the way to support your child regardless of her disability.
“Even if my child had no disability and she was struggling I would step in to help her. You have done the right thing mum, just like any other mum would do. Well done mum and daughter.”
More people praised Lynn’s actions. They said: “Well done you! Some of these teachers shouldn’t even be teaching kids if they’ve got that attitude towards disabled children who want to have a good day.
The picture of you running across the line is delightful with your beautiful little girl.”
“I think this mum is wonderful.”
“She kept asking but I said no I’m not leaving I’m staying here and helping my daughter”(Image: Lynn Harrison)
Another reader spoke up praising Lynn for what she did on sports day. She said: “I think this mum is wonderful!”
Someone else added:”“Well done Mum for getting her beautiful daughter involved.
“Shame on you for not allowing mum to do what she thought was best.. Lesson to be learned just because she needs a wheelchair doesn’t mean that she shouldn’t be included.”
One reader who works as a teacher explained how important it is for every child to join in. She said: “”As a PE and performing arts teacher, we have an obligation to EVERY child to make classes inclusive to all children.
Yes it may not be exactly THE SAME FOR A CHILD WITH A DISABILITY HOWEVER WE MUST INCLUDE THEM AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!
“I’m absolutely disgusted reading this & shocked this happened!
No child should go through this! Finally what an amazing mom you are!!!”
“Every kid deserves equal chances.”
Tammy in her walker which helps with independence (Image: Lynn Harrison)
More fans of Lynn shared their thoughts on Cambridgeshire Live Facebook page saying:”Well done for still fighting and helping Tammy feel normal. It’s such an amazing thing any parent wants for their kid. Keep going.”
Others agreed everyone should get equal chances saying:”Every kid deserves equal chances.
It should’ve been great memories for Tammy and mom with fun times together. No reason why school acted like they did. I’d be mad too.
School workers should feel ashamed.”
Read full story on Lynn & Tammy here.
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