Southend Popworld 'told disabled girl to leave kids rave'

Paul Mercer, 44, claims he and daughter Kennedy, 12, were told to leave the Little Ravers event at Popworld, on Warrior Square, by staff on Saturday as her presence posed a “risk” to others.

He claims they were told to leave due to his daughter being unable to sit up, despite her condition confining her to a wheelchair.   

Thrown out - Kennedy was thrown out of Popworld in Southend (Image: Paul Mercer)

The business have admitted they got the situation “wrong” and apologised for the distress caused, and Paul now wants to see what steps they will take to ensure this never happens again.

He said: “We try to make so many memories for her, she likes music so we thought the event at Popworld would be quite good.

“We just want to make sure Kennedy can be involved in everyday life, she just wanted to enjoy the music. Why would you kick her out like she has done something wrong? 

Disney trip - Kennedy with her family on a trip to Disney (Image: Paul Mercer)

“When you hear an adult ask for a child to leave because of her disability, I went from feeling angry, to upset, to feeling terribly for Kennedy. It’s shocking.

“These people talked about her like this in front of her, she could hear them, imagine being a 12-year-old hearing you have to leave because of your condition. 

“Even if she wasn’t mentally aware, it would be no excuse.” 

Popworld apologise - The company have apologised for the distress caused to Kennedy and her family (Image: Paul Mercer)

Kennedy, who suffers from type one spinal muscular atrophy and was initially given just two years to live, was left distressed after overhearing her dad be told they had to leave, Paul claims.

“My daughter is now second guessing if she wants to go to other parties,” he said. 

“We’re now having to explain to her that she does matter, and it’s not her fault.”

Popworld has confirmed it is in contact with Kennedy’s family and hope to welcome her back.

A Popworld spokesman said: “We’re very sorry for the distress this situation has caused Kennedy and her family.

“We take accessibility very seriously and guest safety is our absolute priority.

“However, it’s clear on this occasion we got this wrong and we are thoroughly reviewing our risk assessment measures, and team training, to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

The Little Ravers event has no relation to Raver Tots, which is the UK's biggest family friendly rave and festival.