Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

My lovely brother Stuart has Down Syndrome and has difficulty communicating.Thirty years ago, when he was in his twenties our parents realised that if he was to be able to live a full and independent life and be secure and safe for the whole of his life, they needed help. Thank goodness they found the Home Farm Trust, a wonderful charity which seemed to be the perfect fit for Stuart, and so it has proved to be.

We were lucky: Stuart got a place. 

Stu lives with three other men with special needs; friends he has known most of his life. He went to school with two of them. They are supported to live as independently as is appropriate for them, by a wonderful team of dedicated people. Stuart has a busy time following his interests, including swimming, walking, cycling and art. He also has frequent evenings out, meeting up with other friends for bowling or dancing.

The HFT has always worked closely with us, Stuart’s family, to ensure he is having the best possible life. We are always included in planning for his best interests and healthcare needs. When our parents were young and active, Stu spent lots of time with them at weekends and for holidays in their caravan, and they were involved with life at HFT too, attending social events and activities.

Stuart has been supported so well through all of the challenges life has brought our way. Our dad died in 2011, and last year mum’s illness and death was another difficult time. Stuart was able to visit mum throughout her illness, supported by HFT, which meant so much to both of them, and helped Stuart to understand and cope with the loss.

The Home Farm Trust has made such a positive contribution to our lives. I know if Stuart’s care had become my responsibility, I could not have provided such an amazing life for him, and the impact on my life would have been immeasurable. Thanks to the HFT Stuart can have his independence and great times with his family.

I really want to help the Home Farm Trust to continue supporting people, so that as many families as possible can enjoy the benefits our family have. My daughter Fiona and I are going to run the London Marathon in a show of support for HFT. Please help us make all the hard training and blisters worthwhile  by donating to this worthy cause.

Thank you.

Lou

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