At the age of 16 Howard was a fit and active teenager. Living at home with his family in West Alvington near Kingsbridge, he was a pupil at the Kingsbridge Community College and he also enjoyed earning some extra cash with a part time job in a local pizza takeaway. He adored football and was enjoying his first season in the men's team, Loddiswell AFC. Tragically for Howard and his family, he was struck down, completely out of the blue, by a massive stroke which has now left him with a condition known as "Locked in Syndrome".

Howard has managed to overcome his initial need for assistance with his breathing using a tracheostomy. He can now communicate with his eyes using an electronic board known as a Mega Bee and he also uses an Eye Gaze computer. These are two wonderful and enabling pieces of assistive technology. He uses different eye movements and different facial expressions to indicate certain needs. For instance, a sideways look from one side to the other to say he has an itch! Howard has normal cognitive brain function and is a bright and intelligent young man, but he is locked in a body which has ceased to perform in its normal capacity. Howard's body is paralysed, although he has regained his sense of feeling, of smell and taste, his hearing and his eyes have improved incredibly from the onset of this horror. Howard somehow manages, on the whole, to keep his spirits up.

If you would like to find out more about Howard's story then copy the link below. His website shows stories from Howard and his family, it gives you more information about his condition and his incredible improvements.

http://www.hopeforhoward.co.uk/index.html

WHAT I WILL BE DOING TO RAISE MY TARGET OF £1000..................................... I will be walking the full length of the Kennet & Avon Canal which is approx 100 miles over 4 days. Yes that is like doing 4 marathons in 4 days.

My aim is to walk 25 miles per day which will take around 9 hours. I will be starting at the Horseshoe bridge in East Reading where the canal branches off from the River Thames, and follow it all the way to Bristol where it ends in the Bristol Harbour.

I plan to do this walk around the end of September when the weather will be cooler. (final date of this fund raising walk to follow shortly)

The money I aim to raise will go towards a number of different areas to allow Howard to live as independently as possible. With potentially new equipment that will be up to-date with the latest technology, days out and to try new experiences, healthcare and up-keep for his home.

Howard now lives in a specially adapted house which has been designed for his needs and as he grows older his needs may change. Howard needs staff to support him 247 with a great team alongside him Howard makes improvements.

Every penny that you can donate will help Howard to lead a life that will be fulfilling and as independent as his condition allows.