Stadium MK is already a flagship for disability provision and on became one of the first EFL clubs to install a fully-equipped specialist disability facility, under the national Changing Places scheme.
This exciting new project has only been made possible thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts of the MK Dons Supporters Association (MKDSA) and support from the home improvement retailer Wickes, its social enterprise partner Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) and young volunteers from Milton Keynes College.
It was in late 2016 when the Club was approached by the MKDSA about the possibility of building the specialised disabled toilet facility at Stadium MK, inspired by the needs of a young Season Ticket holder, Kieron Norton.
The Changing Places washroom facility provides everything that a supporter with a disability may need to maintain their privacy and retain their dignity by including essential specialist equipment such as a full-room hoist, adult-sized changing bed and washing facilities.
The MKDSA committee members agreed to help and undertook the challenge of coming up with a programme of events to raise funds to cover the cost of equipment for the Changing Places Project. A number of different fundraising events took place, the MKDSA held a football tournament raising over £2000, while a group of MK Dons supporters undertook a charity cycle ride to Southend United and donated their proceeds to the fund.
Saturday’s clash with Doncaster marked the official opening of the Changing Places facility, speaking at the grand unveiling Kieron’s father Andrew described just what the Changing Places facility means to his son and all supporters at Stadium MK.
“I want to thank everybody that was involved in this project. That’s firstly as a fan of football, but especially for Kieron - it’s been a hell of a ride but we’ve got here.
"To have facilities like this is absolutely amazing, this is what the football family does when it works together – I’d like to thank everybody involved.”
Located at the top of Gate 6, the facility will have the added benefit of being available for use by visitors to Arena MK.
The Club and the MKDSA committee would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that donated, everyone who helped organise or joined in with any of the fundraising events along the way and all of those who worked on the building of the facility – all of whom have made it possible for this project to be completed in record time.
All MK Dons supporters can feel proud that we now have a facility at Stadium MK that is one of the best in any stadium. The Changing Places Project will remain as a lasting legacy to all those that supported this venture.
