Independent Living
John's Experience
Back in 2006 I sustained a complete fracture of C5. During my time in hospital, Pete Hutchings introduced himself as Aspire’s Independent Living Officer.
I found Pete to be very approachable, especially leading up to my discharge. He helped me considerably not just by listening to all my woes but by offering sound advice based on his own experiences. He also provided me with information which has helped me to make the right choices to improve my quality of life and to regain some independence. There’s still some way to go, but with Pete’s help I feel like I’m getting there.
When I moved home I immediately had problems as I didn’t have the strength to self propel my wheelchair across carpets. NHS Occupational Therapists told me it would be at least eight months before they could issue an Electric Wheelchair – a long time to wait when you can’t really move on your own! Pete gave me a courtesy call to see how I was getting on outside of hospital and I told him about my problems. When I mentioned a wheelchair I had tried on the Spinal Centre which I’d found easy to use he told me about Aspire’s Human Needs Fund. Pete made the necessary arrangements and I was soon talking to Kim at Aspire who runs the Fund. Soon the Wheelchair was purchased and donated to me. The wheelchair has improved my quality of life beyond belief.
Pete, and the rest of the staff at Aspire, really have made a difference.
John