All posts in Declan’s Diary

Declan enjoying his holiday in Cyprus. I cannot believe that my baby starts ‘big’ school this month, the years have flown by, and the past four have been very eventful, not always in a good way. Wreake Valley College have impressed me already with the open minded, caring attitude towards Declan’s needs, I am sure he will grow into an independent, confident, happy young man whilst in their care. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to keep Declan with all of his primary school friends as some are going to Roundhill, which has too many steps to be adapted. Declan will miss these friends but they all know our door is always open to any friend of Declan’s. We had a BBQ last month to thank all his close mates for the kindness and support they have shown Declan over the past four years. Unfortunately whilst playing outside some not so clever boys decided to call Declan Stephen Hawkins. They obviously have no idea just how clever Stephen is and that it is actually a compliment. How sad, that in this day and age, some people can still see disability as something to poke fun at. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the LSA’s and past teachers from St Peter and St Pauls for all their efforts in giving Declan the best possible care and education during his primary school years. There have been many battles but we managed to keep him with his friends and the LSA’s and teaching staff have always been very understanding to both Declan and myself, many thanks. A kind friend has organised a comedy night at Sileby Conservative club on Monday 20th September at 7.30pm to raise the much needed funds for specialised equipment for Declan. Please contact Declan’s grandma, Kate, via Syston Post Office for tickets. As Declan is getting older, heavier and longer his personal care needs using normal baths, showers, sinks and toilets are getting increasingly difficult. A disabled house is being built in Syston but they have run out of money so cannot afford a specialised bathroom, which is needed to provide Declan with safe, hygienic personal care, so the fund raising starts again. Declan can no longer raise his arms, stand, walk or roll over on his own so this equipment is essential but also very expensive. Declan turns 12 next month, I hope his birthday brings happiness and stable health. Alexandra Hill