Everyone wants to be in their own home for Christmas. Here at Aspire we can't always help with that, but we're delighted that for one couple we've been able to provide the next best thing; our new Aspire house in Milton Keynes.

Knowing that the holidays were fast approaching, we've pulled out all the stops to make sure the house, provided in partnership with Guinness Midsummer, was ready for its first tenant. Generous funding from Mazars and the Milton Keynes Community Foundation allowed us to adapt it to ensure it will meet the needs of any individual with a spinal injury who needs to live there. And our friends at Shoosmiths braved the snow to come along to put all the furniture together and make it feel like a home.

Suitable housing continues to be a huge area of concern for those leaving hospital following a spinal injury; hundreds of individuals every year end up having to live in care homes or other unsuitable accommodation because there's simply nothing better. The Aspire Housing programme provides a solution for those we can house and we're delighted that this Milton Keynes house is now part of that programme and will be helping to ensure that those who live there regain their independence and are reunited with their families. Look out for more new Aspire Houses in 2010.