We are raising money to build an accessible playpark in memory of my late partner, Alexandra Grace Halley. Our vision for the park is to create a space that can be enjoyed by all children, regardless of whether they have a physical disability.

A note on why this cause is so special to us:

In August 2022 we received the shocking news that Alex had advanced cervical cancer. Alex fought until the very end but sadly passed away on the 12th of October 2022.

Before Alex’s illness set in, she worked at Richard Cloudesley School Islington -a school for children with physical disabilities and additional sensory needs - as an Occupational Therapist. Whilst it is rare that someone finds their vocation in life, for Alex this was it.

When speaking about the children at school, you could see her face light up and feel just how much she adored them. The need for an accessible playground for children of all abilities was a cause particularly close to Alex’s heart.

Alex was incredible; by a distance, she was the most caring, passionate, and selfless person I ever met. The children at school meant the world to her and outside of her work, she touched the lives of anyone who got to know her. I’m hopeful we can channel the goodwill and the momentum this tragedy has created, into something positive.

I can’t think of a better way to honour her legacy than by building something that improves the lives of those she devoted herself to.

After Alex passed away, I reached out to several parties, including Islington Council, park-specific construction teams, and potential fundraisers. Our initial discussions revealed that our original estimate of £80,000 - £100,000 for building a park from scratch was lower than the actual cost. Once we secure a suitable plot, we anticipate that the cost will be higher than initially expected.

In the short term, we plan to use some of the funds raised to install a memorial bench and donate accessible equipment for the upcoming redevelopment of Fortune Street Park, adjacent to Richard Cloudsley School.

Thank you for your generosity. Aidan Solan and families.