“You made a difference by being there at the right time”
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary year, we have been back to speak to the Turley family to find out how life has moved on since they came to us for help 10 years ago.
In 2012, Kerr, Alison and their children were looking for their right home, right place. They were living in a social rented property which had been adapted to suit their daughter, Clare’s needs but it didn’t offer them enough space for the long term. Clare is quadriplegic and has cerebral palsy and needs an accessible home. When the family first came to us they had moved four times in 5 years to try to find the right property.
Sadly, Alison’s father passed away. They received money through an inheritance but it was not enough to buy a new home to suit their needs. After exploring various options, with support from us, the Access ownership scheme ran by Horizon housing association was the best option to enable the family to buy Alison’s father’s house and adapt it for Clare’s needs.
Alison said:
“The house had all the space we needed and I wasn’t ready at that time to let the house go”
So, what happened next?
The Turleys went on to have 7 happy years in their home before deciding they needed to move if they wanted their home to work for Clare’s changing needs.
In 2020, the family took another step on their housing journey when they moved to a bungalow in a lovely area, with views out to the countryside. With further help from Horizon and the Access ownership scheme the family moved and carried out further adaptations to get the space they needed.
“Clare has her own side of the bungalow with bedroom and wet-room. Her bedroom has French doors which lead out onto a large decking area so she can enjoy the garden and the view. She sleeps so much better now too…Clare is able to access all areas in the house now”
Alison and Kerr are still full time carers for Clare. Clare is now 17 and in her final year at school. Their son, Thomas is in 2nd year at high school and their two older daughters are at college and working as an Occupational Therapist. The family continues to grow as there are now two granddaughters, Erin and Orla.
When we chatted to Alison about our 25th anniversary and what we could focus on for the next 25 years Alison said:
“Just keep doing what you do… we wouldn’t be where we are now without your help.”