Andy had a wonderful break and travelled with his support worker Matt, and although checking the weather forecast on the day before, which predicted lots of rain, Andy said that apart from a two-minute shower, the weather was good the whole time.

They visited Kilkenny, and the highlight on this trip was the pretty town of Waterford, with its lovely harbour. It made Andy feel quite emotional being back there he said, reminiscing about the old days.

A fan of townscapes and architecture, Andy did float to me that he 'would like to go to Bruges at some point too'. Watch this space eh. 

Lifetime Achievements

Looking back over the last five years that Northern Lifetime has been in existence in its current form, it's impossible not to be impressed by the sheer number of milestones that have been achieved by our clients. It is testament to their resilience and patience, but also hard work and dedication of their support workers.

Achievements come in all forms and sizes, and acknowledge the effort that goes into make them a reality.

We have seen all manner of milestones and achievements, from a client beginning their accountancy studies, another passing their GCSE's, and another their driving test.

One client has chaired their first MDT meeting, while another has ventured back on a holiday for the first time since their accident, and several others have taken the massive step of moving into their own homes.

Crossing one of life's stepping stones doesn't always come with a certificate, but they can be just as important. On the music front, a client has taken up the kazoo, while another has done her first DJ-ing gig. Another client is losing weight by becoming more involved in cooking their own meals, while another has taken up going to the gym.

Heather's all terrain power chair was delivered in the summer and has revolutionised the way in which she is able to move about. So far she has been testing it out near and far, including at Monkey World in Dorset.

This lovely still life was painted by Mary earlier this year. Since taking up painting she has produced several pictures that have since been framed, proudly hanging on friend's and family's walls.

Gone to Grounds

Did you know that there are 92 football stadiums in English Football leagues - from the Premier League down to League Two? Our Support Worker Team Leader Lee Brown certainly does – he’s walked to every single one of them, virtually. 

Lee is a Support Worker Team Leader, father of one, and cancer survivor; and despite several surgeries, chemo and Covid, and while at his lowest ebb, he began a love affair with walking when he discovered lejog (Lands End to John O’Groats Virtual Challenge).   

Like many of us in these tricky times he re-evaluated what mattered most to him and how he wanted to spend his time, focussing on getting out into nature and the simple pleasures of walking, jogging and cycling.   

Cue Lee and his son’s love of football, and in particular their support for Sheffield Wednesday, where he and his son go to watch games whenever they can. Lee bought his son a map of the 92 stadiums for Christmas ’21, and it sparked the idea of knitting together the 92 into a healthy and fun quest. 

And so he developed The Virtual 92 Challenge.

The idea is that every time you go for a run the distance is logged and added towards the journey length to the next football stadium on the list, until you arrive virtually triumphant from your 2,222-mile homage to the beautiful game. 

If you feel that you and your colleagues and clients might benefit from a goal to aim for, as it were, you can learn more and register at virtual92.com