Like most teenage boys Haydn Smith, 13, is very sociable and lives life to the full surrounded by loads of friends.
But unlike most teenagers, Haydn also lives with cerebral palsy. He needs a lot of personal care and can only communicate with the help of a communicative aide.
He lives at home in Dalton, near Upholland, with his Mum Wendy, Dad Tony and older brother Josh, 17.
“Haydn has a thirst for life,” says Wendy. “It’s only fair that he should be given the same opportunities as Josh.”
Thanks to Aiming High, for the first time in his life Haydn had the opportunity to jet set away from home last summer for a holiday in the Lake District with children his own age.
Says Wendy: “He was so excited about this fantastic opportunity and had the most amazing time. There were lots of activities including rock climbing and water sports. He grew in confidence and made lots of new friends.”
Rebecca Kellet, 16, lives in Aspull with mum Alison and step dad Brian. “She’s a social flutterby who lives life to the full, shopping, singing, bowling and having her nails painted," says Alison.
“On Mondays she goes to her Nan’s for dinner, Tuesday she's off to after school club, Wednesdays she is busy completing her Duke of Edinburgh with her Dad and Thursdays she goes to Beams - a club for children with complex needs. In fact, the only night she has off is Friday.”
Rebecca Kellett
Born with cerebral palsy, Rebecca can’t walk, struggles to feed herself and has a special chair with support on either side to help her sit. “She’s a little love and a real chatter box” says her mum.
In fact Alison is her full time carer and can be up with Rebecca between two and 20 times a night; whether she needs a drink, turning over or a good cuddle.
Rebecca attends Hawkley Brook College at Hope School in Marus Bridge, where she is dedicated to learning life long skills and living an independent life.
Alison adds: "Thanks to Aiming High she’s been to so many different places and tried so many new things - even tree climbing and abseiling. In February, Rebecca is off to London to watch the Lion King in the West End. The groups are brilliant and everyone helps each other."
A short break can include day, evening, overnight and weekend activities and can take place in the child’s own home, the home of an approved carer, a residential or community setting.
