We are delighted to share the life-changing impact of ‘An Accessible Home for David’ – the largest project completed through Sullivan’s Heroes to date.
Thanks to the generosity and support of numerous people, this remarkable project has transformed the life of 7-year-old David, providing him with a home that meets his needs and offers greater comfort, independence and peace of mind.
The whole community in David’s hometown rallied behind the fundraising effort, alongside friends, family and colleagues. With the support of local news coverage highlighting the project, an incredible £20,000 was donated online in just two days! The momentum continued, and within just a few months, more than £100,000 had been raised to make the project a reality.
Funds came in from local events and activities – a ‘Disco for David’ and the ‘Strathclyde Stride’ to name but a few – together with companies and local organisations donating funds, such as Hamilton Operatic and Dramatic Club and Dollar Parish Church.
David’s parents describe the challenges he faced before the adaptations were carried out, and how these daily difficulties highlighted the urgent need for the work:
“Our home simply did not meet David's needs as he was growing. We knew from an early age that we would need significant work done to create an inclusive family home. We love where we live and wanted to stay there, but changes were needed. The complexities of David's needs meant that it was highly unlikely that we would be able to move to somewhere that would be already adapted and meet all our family needs.”
“All of our bedrooms are upstairs in our home. David slept in our bedroom until he was almost 6 years old – his medical needs (suction, oxygen and feeding machine dependency) meant that he needed to be close to us. It wouldn't have been fair for him to share a bedroom with a sibling as the suction machine is noisy and it would be a disruption to their sleep.”
“With several bulky pieces of postural equipment kept downstairs (standing frame, seats, physio benches), space was tight! Also, we had to carry David at all points of transfer.”
“Going up and down the stairs was particularly challenging, especially with David's dystonic movements which mean that he can extend and go rigid mid-carry!”
“David generally wasn't able to access upstairs during the day due to having to be carried. That had an impact on family life as we had to stay downstairs with him.”
“David's standing frame was too wide to leave the kitchen. He also needed to be changed on the sofa as we were unable to do this in the toilet.”
“Our bath upstairs was a very deep corner bath. Although we did get a ceiling track hoist installed in our family bathroom, it was only able to help us raising him from his bath support. It was clunky to use, as we then had to transfer him soaking wet from the hoist into our arms and subsequently carry him to our bed, where we dried and changed him. We still had to lower him into the bath when carrying him.”
“We didn't have ramp access, and for a long time we had to carry David down three steps at our front door to put him into his buggy for a walk, or carry him to his specialist car seat. We did eventually get a temporary ramp at our back door (it couldn't go at the front due to it being too high), which helped. But it was awkward to take David out the back door whilst everyone else left by the front door.”
The project involved extending the family home and converting the garage to accommodate a new bedroom for David. Accessible living space was created, including a through-floor lift, giving David access to his new bedroom, safely and comfortably.
A height-adjustable bath and a wall-mounted changing table are just some of the elements that have transformed bathing and personal care for David, making these daily routines safer and more manageable, as his parents advise:
“It's safe to say that our new home has changed our lives! David is able to access his entire home with ease. We have had doors widened, three ceiling track hoists installed and a through the floor lift installed.”
“David now has his own bedroom directly beside ours, which has an adjoining door from our bedroom so we can access him quickly when needed throughout the night. He has his own bespoke ensuite, with a height adjustable bath, shower access and a changing plinth.”
“He also has a height adjustable changing plinth within our newly extended downstairs toilet, so that David can have access to appropriate changing facilities upstairs and downstairs.”
“We have been able to create more living space, so our rooms don't feel as cluttered with his large pieces of equipment. Having a permanent ramp from our front door is wonderful.”
“Our adaptations are life-changing! We have much more opportunity to be together as a family without restrictions within our home. David has the privacy he deserves with his own bedroom space but also with appropriate toileting and washing provision.”
“Our backs certainly appreciate not having to carry David everywhere, especially up and down the stairs. He's now about 25kg and continuing to grow. For us, the biggest difference is that previous restrictions have been lifted and we have a family home that we can ALL access and enjoy.”
Faced with the daunting task of raising more than £100,000 to fund the adaptations, David’s parents explain how Sullivan’s Heroes helped turn that ambition into a reality:
“Sullivan's Heroes have been a wonderful support for us. By far, the biggest benefit was having a specific charity link that we could share. This made it so much easier for us to share, but also for friends and family to circulate too.”
“There were many businesses that generously donated to David's home adaptations. I genuinely believe that was down to the affiliation with Sullivan's Heroes and the guarantee of where their donations were going.”
“We valued the many top tips that were shared with regards to fundraising.”
David’s parents further highlight the areas in which the charity supported them throughout the fundraising journey:
“As outlined above, Sullivan's Heroes were invaluable in their role:
- A friendly, compassionate shoulder from someone who understands where you are and why it's important to make these changes.
- By giving a charity number / link.
- Top tips shared for fundraising.
- Taking away the burden of having donations from friends and family going into your bank account.
- Opportunity to share details widely.
- No fees to pay to JustGiving.
- Removes the stress, which can be overwhelming.”
“We were blessed with an abundance of generous donations from family and friends – in fact we were completely and utterly blown away by their generosity. Some were inspired to organise charity events to raise money and many donated directly.”
“Many of the people who donated wanted to remain anonymous and Sullivan's Heroes allowed for that to happen. Having the affiliation with the charity allowed for many businesses to give generously too. Without that platform, we certainly would not have received as many donations or supports. For example, we were astounded when the Chief Executive of Arnold Clark donated a phenomenal £5,000 from the charity. We also had local businesses that donated £500 or £1,000 via the fundraising link. This is simply mind-blowing and we will never have the words to thank these companies for the part that they have played in supporting this journey for David and us as a family.”
“Sullivan's Heroes removed the stress from this process. Amazingly, we managed to raise the exact amount needed for the project. This was such a blessing and meant that we could use our own savings for decorating, flooring, etc.”
David’s parents conclude with this touching sentiment and accolade – which we are extremely proud to receive at Sullivan’s Heroes:
“Thank you so much for all of your support, Fiona. You have completely inspired me as I think of the legacy of your boy, Sullivan. We will be eternally grateful for Sullivan's Heroes and for all that you have achieved through this charity. There is no doubt about it – you are helping to change lives for the better. I hope that the Goring family can inspire people to seek changes for better lives, where love, hope, worth are central drivers as we change mindsets and thinking about what it really means to be inclusive. We have spoken so highly of your charity and your role in shaping our journey. There is no way that we would have achieved all we did without your help. Thank you.”
