MUM'S CAMPAIGN AFTER SON FALLS ON DISCARDED NEEDLE

A YOUNG mother has issued a stark warning to parents about the danger
of discarded needles - after her five-year-old son allegedly fell on
a syringe while playing in a school field.

Dawn Farrell, of Church Road in Stainforth, was horrified to learn
about Matthew's accident during a lunch break at Long Toft Primary
School in May.

And the 27-year-old is so angry about the issue of discarded needles
in Doncaster that she is about to launch a leaflet campaign in her
local community to educate and warn both adults and children about the problem.

However, the school insist no harmful objects were found within the
field following a detailed search.

Last month the Free Press reported that more than 11,000 hypodermic
needles were dumped in the town between April 2005 and March 2008.

Just weeks earlier the lives of Miss Farrell and her family were
turned upside down as Matthew's frightening accident came to light.

Initial hospital checks for possible infection have since proved
negative - although the youngster still faces further blood tests and
a test for hepatitis next month.

"He was playing out on the fields and fell onto a needle but didn't
tell anybody at school," said Dawn.

"He told us later that evening and obviously it was panic stations.

"We took him straight to hospital where he had a hepatitis jab and
blood tests. Thank God he got the all clear.

"I was shocked when he told me," she added. "I just couldn't believe
it - especially with it being in a school. It's caused a lot of upset."

Alison Rahman, headteacher at Long Toft Primary, said: "The school
already conducts thorough checks of the site and external grounds each day.

"Following an incident involving one of our pupils allegedly injuring
themselves whilst on school premises, a further check was conducted
and no harmful objects were found."

Figures obtained by the Free Press using the Freedom of Information
Act revealed that 11,325 needles - each of which could potentially be
contaminated with life-threatening diseases such as HIV and hepatitis
- - were dumped in Doncaster over a period of three years between April
2005 to March 2008.

The local authority described removing and safely disposing of used
needles as a priority.

Council chiefs also insist they are working hard to support people
with drug problems and to protect local communities from the effects
of other people's drug use.

There are currently nine needle exchange facilities throughout the
borough which encourage people with drug problems to dispose of their
needles in a safe and hygienic way.

Anyone who discovers a discarded hypodermic needle should ring
Doncaster Council immediately on (01302) 736000.