A HAND TO HOLD

Amy Brown, 29, from Kent, just wanted to take her children out to the park on her own...

- KEZIA REYNOLDS AND HANNAH SIMPSON. 

Heading towards the main road to the park, I felt nervous.

With two young children, it could be hard work crossing safely.

And what’s more, I only had one hand for the two of them.

I was born missing my left arm from the elbow down, and while I had always got by with one arm, sometimes motherhood was difficult.

Not being able to hold both their hands when we crossed the road always filled me with lots of anxiety.

My son Anthony, now 11, has severe autism and global delay and his sister, Rose, was only five at the time, which could make manoeuvring both of them on days out a little tricky.

My dad Desmond, 47, or one of my friends had to accompany us every time.

‘Stay close,’ I warned as cars zipped past.

‘Yes, Mum,’ the kids replied. Holding Rose’s hand tightly, and keeping a eye on Anthony, who was held onto by Dad, we quickly crossed while the green man signalled.

‘Remember, we can only cross when the green man says so,’ I told the children.

And while every time we managed to successfully cross the road, I still worried one day we wouldn’t be so lucky.

What if one of the kids dashed out in front of a car?

And I hated having to rely on Dad and my friends to get out and about – I wanted both Rose and Anthony to have a hand to hold – my hands to hold.

I had always wanted to be a mum, and while it took me longer to change a nappy, plate up dinner and cross the road, I was great at adapting and always did the best for my kids.

As a single mum, sorting the kids out was second nature to me – it was like my superpower.