BUSINESSES and residents have rallied behind a girl who was “thrown out” of a Southend nightclub’s Christmas rave for youngsters.
Paul Mercer, 44, has thanked everyone who supported his daughter, Kennedy, 12, after the father and daughter duo were told to leave the Little Ravers event at Popworld by staff on Saturday.
The father singled out Raver Tots, the UK’s biggest family-friendly festival, for praise after they offered the family free tickets to their outdoor festival at Garon Park on August 25 next year, an event which he said Kennedy has always wanted to attend.
He says he also spoke with the managing director of Popworld, who was very apologetic, explained staff had “panicked,” and wanted to know if there was anything they could do for his daughter.
Paul said: “There’s obviously a need for further training there.
“They asked us if there was anything they could do for Kennedy. She still blames herself for being thrown out. I will go back to them and let them know if there is any more she wants them to do.
“I needed to show Kennedy people can’t get away with treating others that way. She needs to see there are consequences for people who do that.
“Raver Tots were really kind to offer her the opportunity to attend their event in Southend in August. We’ll definitely go, she’s really looking forward to it."
Kennedy has also been sent a clothes package by childrenswear brand, Fred and Noah, while Essex-based Bouncing Bunnies Bunanza have offered her the opportunity to meet their bunnies.
“It does show you there are some amazing people out there,” Paul added.
“It’s not all bad out there, there’s some fantastic people who want to make a difference for no other reason than to help people.
“We’ve had a bit of a tough journey with the kids, that’s why we make sure we live every moment with them and make all the memories that we can.”
Paul said he wanted to make every moment special with Kennedy, who was born with type one spinal muscular atrophy along with her twin brother, and is looking forward to making more memories.
Kennedy’s brother, Karter, passed away due to the condition when he was six months old.
Following the incident, 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.”
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