Day 23

Here’s a bumper edition with inspiring videos from Somerset Care

Surfing Against the Odds: Steve’s Journey

Adventure-loving Steve suffered a traumatic brain injury when he was brutally attacked in Thailand in 2014. When he awoke from his coma, it became clear that Steve was paralysed on his left side and unable to speak. Steve’s attacker robbed him of the future he had planned, but couldn’t take away his thirst for adventure or the determination of Steve’s specialist support team from Realise, to enable and empower him to live life to the full. Top of Steve’s wish list was to surf again – and his team were determined to make his dream come true. The opportunity to work with an adaptive surfing charity to try out a seated surfboard was met with a resounding thumbs up by Steve! Watched by his Mum, Alison, and surrounded by his Realise support team, the day came for Steve to take to the waves. “As I watched my son on a surfboard, the events of 10 years ago this Christmas couldn’t have been further away.” “My son, who so nearly lost his life on the other side of the world, was living his best life.”
“From my heart I say a massive THANK YOU to Steve’s Realise care team for sharing our dreams and bringing them to life.” With thanks to Steve, his family, the Wave Project, and Realise South West, part of the not-for-profit Somerset Care Group.

Empowering Adventures: Young Adults at Halcon Centre Embrace New Challenges

The Halcon Centre in Taunton empowers young adults with complex physical disabilities to live fulfilling lives. Supported by staff members, residents were able to enjoy day visits over the summer and most recently a two night adventure to Calvert Exmoor. Residents stepped outside their comfort zones to try new things that they may have once believed to be unachievable.

From boating to crate climbing, horse riding to archery and many more, every experience was unique. We watched as our residents’ confidence grew, and an overwhelming sense of empowerment shone through! With thanks to our colleagues and residents at Halcon Centre and to Calvert Exmoor.