A new video produced by Newcross Healthcare outlines the story of Jac – a man born with cerebral palsy who achieved his dream of experiencing the French Alps.
For many, the idea of skiing down the beautiful slopes of the French Alps is one that is limited by annual leave requests and savings goals. However, for Jac – a 23-year-old who was born with cerebral palsy – it is a dream once thought impossible.
To give context, cerebral palsy is a group of lifelong conditions that are caused by a problem with the brain and affects movement and coordination. Each person with the disease can be affected differently, with some able to live out a full independent life and others having to use a wheelchair.
On the surface, somebody with the illness wouldn’t be thought fit to take on mountains, though a partnership formed between Ski4All Wales and Newcross Healthcare meant Jac was able to defy all odds. Prior to the trip, a personalised care team from Newcross focused on how they would provide mobility assistance and medication management while aboard, so all Jac and his family had to think about was living in the moment.
‘We’ve got to put Jac’s safety first and Newcross came in and really supported us,’ Beth, Jac’s mother said. ‘We worked with Newcross quite closely to get the right care staff in so that they met Jac’s needs and that I could have peace of mind with them.’
Carolyn was one of the carers from Newcross who helped make Jac’s dream become a reality, and she described the achievement as a ‘privilege’.
‘We’ve gone from everyday being at home with Jac, to out here in the French Alps just accomplishing things we never thought we’d see him do. It’s been a privilege to be able to help him do this,’ she said.
As well as this trip being monumental for Jac, it also represents how powerful carers roles can be. At a time when the sector is struggling, stories like this one are paramount.
Claire Reader, vice president of community care at Newcross Healthcare, explained that her team embody what caring should be about: helping other people.
‘I feel truly thrilled and privileged to work with such incredible teams who continually go above and beyond for the people we support,’ she remarked. ‘Enabling our care team colleagues to make a ski trip possible for two of our complex young gentlemen is a testament to their dedication and compassion.
‘Together, we are not just providing care but making dreams a reality and that’s truly something special.’
The video was created by Newcross Healthcare and first published on their YouTube channel.
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