I've always admired and respected people who fight for justice to the point where they start a petition for what they believe in. Having said that, I never thought I would ever be in a situation where I would have to start a petition of this nature.

My 5 year old daughter Alexia Walenkaki, lost her life in Mile End Park on 17th July 2015. The following day would have been her 6th birthday.

It was a normal day for us with the school run and then the usual trip to the local park afterwards. Alexia was playing on her favourite play equipment which was a log swing with her friends. I told her it was time to go home and she pleaded with me "five more minutes mummy" to which I agreed.

Those five minutes were the longest of my life as I recollect daily, in slow motion the actions that took place.

Whilst she was on the swing all of a sudden and to my horror whilst watching her play with her friends I saw the log break and crush her.

Alexia suffered head injuries and died instantly.

Tower Hamlets Council who are responsible for the maintenance of the park did not do a maintenance check on the park for 21 months. If they had done so I would be sitting here with my daughter today. Till this day there has been no apology from the Council whatsoever.

The next step in my battle for justice for Alexis is an inquest which was scheduled to take place in April 2016 but has now been postponed till January 2017.

In addition to this, I was shocked to discover that legal aid was refused because the case is not considered complex and apparently is NOT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST?!
I cannot afford to pay for a Barrister to fight for Alexia, yet Tower Hamlets Council will be using tax payers money to represent themselves. How is this fair?

As summer approaches all parents will want to know that their children are safe using parks and the equipment provided by not only Tower Hamlets Council but all councils. Failure to carry out the relevant checks will put lives at risk and it was this negligence that has ultimately caused the death of my daughter Alexia. I do not want anyone else to experience the loss and pain of losing a child. Please help me by signing this petition in the hope of being granted legal aid and attending court against Tower Hamlets Council. Justice for Alexia, Safer Parks for all and legal aid to those that need it most!