By Dave Pearson | Project Leader
Jack was ten when he was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disorder. Most of Jack’s care fell to his mum, Dee, as his dad worked long hours to support the family. Jack had a younger brother, Luca.
Family Support Worker Bryan changed the lives of Jack and his family from day one. He arrived at a time when the family needed it the most, and they were at their lowest. Bryan made daily life more normal for the family, as he was quickly trusted to look after Jack as well as he needed to be looked after. Bryan’s hands-on support enabled the family to enjoy outings which gave them time to be a ‘normal’ family again.
Dee mum said, “It was like a ray of sunshine when Bryan came, full of vitality, enthusiasm, compassion and a great caring nature made him a winner in the household. There were always beams of smiles from Jack when Bryan arrived, and laughter around the house.
“We managed outings to parks and bowling trips, which have been a hit. He managed to combine all the skills of a companion, carer and playmate to both boys as well as a good listener to a worried mum. It was a huge relief that at last we could rely and trust someone who could look after Jack as well as we did. It is not easy to let your child be looked after by someone other than yourself when that is all that you have.”
Sadly, Jack died aged 16.
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