4 February 2007

EXCLUSIVE: A FLIPPIN' DISGRACE

EXCLUSIVE Disabled Victoria is told: You're too frightening too swim with our dolphins

By Jessica Boulton

A DISABLED girl was banned from swimming with dolphins after trainers claimed she would SCARE them.

Victoria Osbourne's parents had saved up for months so she could paddle with the creatures as an 18th birthday treat on holiday. But just as she was about to get in the water, the trainer ordered her out, saying her cerebral palsy condition would upset the animals.

Mum Lorraine, 45, said: "I was appalled. I ran out of the place in tears.

"Victoria can barely walk and needs a wheelchair most of the time. There isn't much we can buy for her but she loves swimming so we thought this would be her dream come true - something she would remember forever.

"As turned out, we were all totally distraught."

Lorraine and husband Peter complained to police about Victoria's treatment at the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.

The family paid £1,400 for a week's holiday plus £600 for Victoria and the family's 30- minute paddle at the Dolphinella attraction.

The whole trip was geared around the swim, which would have given Victoria some therapeutic benefit as well. Lorraine, of West Derby, Liverpool, said:"The setting was beautiful and Victoria looked so happy. She was there with her lifejacket on about to get in the water. Then suddenly the marine instructor ordered us out.

"We had saved for a year, flown all that way and all for nothing. It's
disgusting."

The firm the Osbournes booked with, Fayed Tours also complained to police. A spokesman said: "We were shocked by the the trainer's behaviour. What kind of person would say such thing? It's sad that people like that exist."

The Osbournes also alerted their hotel manager and tour rep to warn other families. They got a £600 refund but said it was little consolation for the shocking prejudice they endured.

A police spokesman said: "We took a statement and got the family a refund. No further action was taken." The Dolphinella centre refused to comment.

Lorraine and HGV driver Peter have now started saving for another dolphin swim in a different country. Lorraine added: "We haven't told Victoria yet because we don't want to disappoint her again."

Source: People.co.uk