A COUPLE are preparing to sell their family home to invest in a special needs respite centre. Paul and Julie Connaughton want to develop a centre of excellence for the North Yorkshire and North-East region, after finding services to care for their son James, 15, who has cerebral palsy, lacking in the area. Mr Connaughton said he and his wife, who live in Maltby, near Ingleby Barwick, had a lengthy
battle to get James into a school they felt fully met his needs – with daily speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. But they still struggled with overnight respite and have never left James alone with anyone other than immediate family.
“We want James and children like him to have a quality of life filled with happiness and security," he said. "We also want to provide accommodation for parents on site, so they can see their children and have total piece of mind." They have decided to sell their home to help fund the centre and have selected a site in the Stokesley area which initially would provide respite care for special needs adults and children. The family has the support of Percy Hedley School in Newcastle, which James attends. "Getting James in there felt like a lottery win because they just understood his needs completely. We have discussed management of the centre with Percy Hedley and we want to work in partnership with them. They have the knowledge and expertise required to help make it a success.”
They were inspired by the younger brother of Lewis Hamilton, Nicolas, who despite also having cerebral palsy competes in the British Touring Car Championships. They met him at Croft Circuit last year, and Mr Connaughton said it galvanised their hopes to get the best for James. Mr Connaughton’s grand plans for the scheme include riding lessons, specially-adapted outdoor play area with wheelchair swings, zip wire, and exercise equipment; a small petting farm, wheelchair basketball court and trampolines. He said they would initially offer six residential places, four carer’s rooms and six family log cabins. It would also focus on parents' wellbeing, with stress management and counselling.
“At the moment we are looking for people who would love to share their experiences and help make our dream a reality.”
Anyone wanting to make a donation can visit www.gofundme.com/jamesrespitecentre. Contact Mr Connaughton at [email protected] or
Mrs Connaughton at [email protected].
