My daughter struggles with the concept of queuing. She’s 22 and non verbal. She’s not going to suddenly understand now. She even struggles in the queues that mix with fast track. All she can see is the big queue in front of her rather than seeing that it moves quickly. She is getting better with those on a quieter day but not always. If she’s in meltdown it’s a struggle to move her away though in the closeness of the queue.
The thrill and the fun that she gets from the rides are her everything.
It makes me really sad as Alton towers has actually helped her achieve so much over the years. When she had new medication that she didn’t want to take she was rewarded with a trip to AT for taking it. We made cut up laminated photos of AT rides with Velcro and gave her a piece for each step from the front door to getting in the taxi to school when she refused to go. When she lost the only bottle she would use. We said she if she used her new bottle she could go to AT. She had a sip before each ride. AT really helped her to achieve goals that were difficult for her.
We only ever visit quiet days but she still needed the rap.
We actually did try a day when rap wasn’t available. She had a meltdown and AT sent her to customer services to be given it as they saw how the queuing affected her.
I have actually praised Alton towers for the new prebooking of rap as the rap queues were way too long for her.
To think that she may never go again is actually heartbreaking
The only reason we go to alton towers is having the pass. If we didnt have it my daughter would never experience days out. She absolutely cannot stand in the lines for that amount of time it causes her extreme anxiety being so crowded she has autism. Its also ridiculous to say we have videos and a sensory room we arent going there to watch videos how is that going to help anybody with autism like its a magic wand or use sensory rooms thats not what we are paying money for. Why have merlin not added the crowds as is stated on the other cards. Her long planned 16th birthday weekend at towers is now ruined and we have lost a lot of money with hotel bookings and tickets etc that has been planned a long time as you have to do with nurodivergent people!
A company that has won awards for being autism friendly, now shunning all the families who rely on RAP to have days out made accessible. Those passes were a lifeline to so many ND people. This new rule, which literally came into place AFTER everyone had booked the first round of RAP, has devastated so many. Learning difficulties, ADHD, and autism are all recognised disabilities and they shouldn't be discriminated against.
I stand in unwavering solidarity with Bangladesh and fully support this principled request to the International Cricket Council.
Cricket is not merely a game for Bangladesh — it is a source of national pride, unity, and identity for millions. Our players carry the hopes of an entire nation every time they step onto the field. Their safety, dignity, and mental peace must never be compromised under any circumstances.
International sport must rise above political tension, public sentiment, and regional hostility. When legitimate concerns are raised regarding security, fairness, and the well-being of athletes, it is the moral responsibility of the governing body to listen with seriousness and empathy — not dismissal. Neutral venues exist precisely for moments like this, to protect the spirit of the game and the lives of those who play it.
Bangladesh has always shown respect for cricket, for its opponents, and for the global cricketing community. In return, Bangladesh deserves equal respect, equal consideration, and equal protection. Decisions taken by the ICC must reflect justice, humanity, and the core values of sportsmanship — not convenience or precedent.
This is not about politics. This is about human safety, fairness, and integrity. A truly global sport cannot thrive if some teams are asked to take risks others would never be expected to accept.
I respectfully urge the ICC to reconsider its position and relocate Bangladesh’s matches to a neutral and secure venue. Doing so would not weaken the tournament — it would strengthen the credibility of international cricket and reaffirm that no team, no nation, and no player is expendable.
Standing with Bangladesh today is standing for the soul of cricket itself.
— Manir Ahmed 🇧🇩
There is a clear and credible threat to the safety of Bangladeshi cricket players and Bangladeshi fans traveling to India. Reports and public statements indicate a risk of physical attacks, harassment, and violent confrontations against both players and supporters. Immediate attention and preventive measures are necessary to ensure their safety and to prevent any form of violence.