My amazing son Declan found out in May 2023 that he only had months to live, due to heart failure as a result of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He quickly made a bucket list which heavily involved his adapted Ford van, which he had even managed to drive using hand controls - giving him a sense of achievement, independence, and bringing him to the world of the modified car scene. This van is an extention of Dec, a symbol of our relationship and the place where Dec was most free.

Whilst we were out on a drive, on the 26th of August 2023, just him and me, my best friend, my soul mate, my son, took his last breath aged only 24 In that very van. It was a place filled with heartfelt conversations and dreams for the future.

In his own words “I want this to be the best van it can be, to take to events and to show that disabled people can have awesome rides too, as well as raise awareness of my condition and raise funds for Loros hospice in the process. In the future , my mum is going to turn this into a campervan and take it on travels.”

In his memory, and to honour his final wishes, I am determined to transform his van in to a symbol of hope and inclusivity. If I can borrow from M&S For a second, this isn‘t just any van...This is Dec’s van, in which his legacy must be continued, and to show that people of all albilities deserve to experience the joys of life to the fullest.

Motability has unfortunately given us just a mere 12 days to raise the funds needed to secure this van. If this reached 20,500 people who were able to donate just one pound, Dec’s vision can become reality. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings us one step closer. Thank you so much.