AN AUTISTIC Bromsgrove boy whose garden was too slippery to play in has had his life transformed after a charitable grant helped install a personalised play area.

Dan Kinchin, 14, uses his garden to control his autism by burning off excess energy, although the space can become slippery and dangerous during winter months.

The teenager had fallen and hurt himself on numerous occasions, leading mum Maxine to seek help in installing artificial grass to create his own all-weather play area.

She said: “Being outdoors is vital for Dan’s wellbeing – he uses the garden as a place where he can play without boundaries.

“As a teenager, it’s fantastic that Dan can have his own space outside the house where he’s able to take time-out away from the family, but is still near enough to home that we can look out for him.”

The project was made possible by a £500 grant from the OneFamily Foundation.

OneFamily marketing director Karl Elliott said: “Active play is clearly really important for Dan and his family, so it’s great to know that the new all-weather surface in the garden will make a difference.”

The Foundation provides personal grants of up to £500 to customers and people close to them, providing a little extra support when it's really needed.

For more information, visit onefamily.com.