A Glanfield parent's story: Jade
Jade Herne writes ... I am a single mother with a 10 year old boy, Jett, who was born with cerebral palsy and dystonia. His disabilities are such that he requires 24-hour specialist care. Jett is unable to make any voluntary movements, his spasms are extremely violent, and he is confined to either a wheelchair or must lie flat. Over the past few years, Jett's condition has become more complicated with unbearable pain and infections. He is now unable to swallow and is thus fed via PEG (tube fed). He has had prolonged periods of hospitalisation and is no longer able to attend school.
I first took Jett to Lourdes with the Glanfield Group when he was 2 years old. This was the first time that I felt able to trust anyone to care for Jett other than me. The Glanfield Group has completely transformed our lives. Not only do we have the most wonderful annual holiday surrounded by competent, compassionate volunteers, but we now have a network throughout the year that I would never have had, had I not been lucky enough to meet the Glanfield Group.
Despite Jett's disabilities, he is a very sociable child, in need of the company of others, as am I. Due to his needs, however, it is challenging to sustain friendships especially since attendance at school isn't possible. The Glanfield Group not only offers us the week in Lourdes of companionship, but I can honestly testify that the core volunteers are now my family, without whom I cannot imagine what our lives would be like.
As a single mother, I am unable to work because my time, both day and night is dedicated to caring for Jett. There is no way at all that I could afford to fund our fare of £850 each and I am therefore totally reliant upon the Group to financially support us. I am proud that the culture of the Group is to do as much fundraising as possible which I am always involved in. It is my pleasure therefore to write this testimony to appeal to others to support this life-changing, incredible small charity that does so much for me, Jett, and many others.
These photos show some of the happiest times of our lives, when we are with the Glanfield Group.