Yahoo News Grandad's house becomes tourist attraction - thanks to T-Rex in front garden
Grandfather Jerry Adams’ Welsh home has become an unlikely selfie spot – after he put a scale model Tyrannosaurus Rex in his front garden.
Mr Adams, 58, transformed his front garden in Cwmbran, South Wales, after spending £1,600 on the 18ft dinosaur on eBay.
The massive animal attracted attention from motorists when it was transported the 50 miles down the M4 motorway from where it was bought in Dan yr Ogof Caves.
The family man hopes to turn his front garden into a sensory space for children with special needs and the money he paid for it has gone to diabetes charity, JDRF UK.
Jerry Adams said to South Wales Argus: “When we picked it up and brought it down the motorway people were thinking it was a nutty idea.
“We had it on the trailer and loads of cars were going by taking photographs.
“We’ve got autistic grandchildren. This is such a super sensory thing.”
Jerry’s daughter Samantha, 33, said: “Having a lot of family with ASD & ADHD, my parents have made their home a sensory enrichment safe place.
“This is the new addition to this amazing space. Also by buying this dinosaur the money raised has gone to diabetes awareness.
“Everything they do is for the family, to benefit the family and to show that we like a bit of eccentricity and like happy meaningful conversations with people just passing by who are interested and like something visual that is different.”
Jerry’s brother Chris Adams said he thought it was a joke before seeing the dinosaur with his own eyes.
He said: “My brother Jerry told me he was bidding on a dinosaur but I thought he was joking.
“Surprised to see him loading it on his trailer to take home to Cwmbran for the kids to play on in the garden.
“I take my hat off to him the lunatic. Money to a good cause though so good for him.”
A spokesman for The National Showcaves for Wales said: “Every penny is going to JDRF to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes.”
