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Paul’s Place is, quite possibly, unique.  Certainly I know of nothing like it in the South West. It  supports adults with physical, sensory and cognitive impairment including Cerebral Palsy sufferers (the biggest group) MS sufferers (the next biggest) those with head injuries, stroke victims and, of course, Michelle.

Michelle, is the daughter of my friends Kathryn and Laurie Thompson. She suffers from a rare condition known as Batten disease. You’ve probably never heard of it so let me explain.

Batten disease is a fatal and incurable disorder of the nervous system that begins in childhood.  Early symptoms include vision problems and seizures.  In some cases the early signs are subtle, taking the form of personality and behaviour changes, slow learning, clumsiness, or stumbling.  Over time, affected children suffer mental impairment, worsening seizures, and progressive loss of sight and motor skills.  Eventually, children with Batten disease become blind, bedridden, and demented.  Batten disease is often fatal by the late teens or twenties. Michelle is 27, blind, suffers frequent seizures and worse.

Kathryn & Laurie have been living this nightmare for two decades and it ain’t about to get better.  Of course, friends and neighbours have rallied round but one of the most helpful things that happened to them was to be introduced to Paul’s Place.

http://www.paulsplace.org.uk/

From its base in Coalpit Heath, South Gloucestershire, it provides an opportunity for physically disabled adults to create their own environment in the following ways:

 A Day facility, managed by fully qualified carers, which is open 48 weeks per year, providing a happy, warm and friendly space.  Members choose what activities are provided during the day.  They include photography, drama and book clubs plus a sports programme with swimming and exercise at the local leisure centre.

 An evening and weekend social group for parents and carers.  One can imagine the strain that people like Kathryn and Laurie must be under.  Most of the parents do not have the opportunity of a normal social life.  They can’t just slip out to the pub in the evening.  The support that Paul’s Place provides is vital in times that are never less than tough compared with most of our lives.

 Holidays and Short Breaks.  Groups of between 12 to 75 go away at any one time, supported by Paul’s Place staff and volunteers.  This allows participants full independence, away from relatives and carers, to enjoy wonderful holidays with adults of the same age.  This also offers vital respite for the carers and family.  They can relax in the knowledge that their loved ones are supported in a safe environment.

The website shows that there’s much more to Paul’s Place, including advice and advocacy.

Following the opening of a new Day Centre in May 2002, Paul’s Place is now raising funds to build a wet room, quiet room and meeting room.  The cost is estimated at around £400K.

All the money you contribute will go towards this project.  (The cost of the trip will be fully funded by my wife, Joanna). 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.