Hello, I’m Sheila, James’s mum. I want to share why we’re raising funds to relocate and refurbish James’s day service at Parity for Disability, and why your support can make an enormous difference.

James has profound and multiple disabilities. He is also full of life and enjoys his family, friends, activities and experiences, like all of us.

For decades, Parity has been at the forefront of creating day services that give people like James a genuinely fulfilling life. In the early 1990s, there were no services in our area—or the country—that fully met the needs of adults like James. Parity was built from scratch by parents, carers and professionals on the principles of equality, dignity, and human rights.

The amazing staff at Parity ensure each activity James takes part in is more than just a pastime—it’s an opportunity to communicate, practice skills, and express creativity. As a parent, it is so very humbling to see the amount of dedication and care awarded to your adult child. Not only do the team go way beyond the call of duty, they are able to meet each person at their own level.

A great example of that is the extreme hard work and thought that went into an extraordinary art exhibition at James’s service, with each student’s personalities and inner thoughts presented through their personal art boards. My own son was able through his own board to surprise me and show a side I hadn’t seen before. It was a very emotional and inspiring experience.

A few years ago, James suffered a stroke and became critically ill. Doctors told us to prepare for the worst. But James is a fighter. With months in hospital, the care of devoted staff and friends - including those from Parity - and our family by his side, he pulled through. Today, James is living his life again, enjoying activities, and embracing friendships. He showed incredible determination to regain his independence—learning to eat on his own again, improving hand function with physiotherapy, and exploring everyday activities. James’s life is meaningful to him, and to all who know him.

Without the very special people that have the insight and ability to bring that out in my son, what would his life look like? Every person enthusiastically helping to bring a life to LIFE regardless of its limitations and challenges. How do they do it every day? They are truly remarkable individuals to me. They make THE difference to my son and his family’s life, these extraordinary people. Over the years James has changed. The one thing that remains the same is Parity. If they weren’t there it would be a really different story.

But Parity needs your help. To continue giving James and his friends the support, attention, and activities that make their lives rich, we need to fund the relocation and refurbishment of the day service, ensuring the environment is safe, stimulating, and accessible, so every student can thrive.

If we raise funds beyond our target, all additional donations will mean that people like James can enjoy more activities designed to nurture skills, confidence, and independence; continue forming friendships and social connections that matter; experience the joy of giving to others and feeling valued; and grow and achieve in ways that are truly meaningful to them.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping us support James and everyone at Parity on this incredible journey.