Andrew's story

t 18 years old, Andrew is a young man with big ambitions and a warm personality. He also has a determination that has carried him through challenges the vast majority of people will, thankfully for them, never have to face.

Born at 37 weeks and initially considered healthy, Andrew began missing developmental milestones early in life. After a long search for answers, he was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of two. Later, at seven, he also developed epilepsy, experiencing a life?threatening seizure that lasted 40 minutes.

Though he uses a wheelchair and is neurodivergent with autism and ADHD, Andrew and his mum Lesley have never let that define him.

Despite all the hurdles put in his way, Andrew has continued to defy expectations. Today, he communicates clearly and engages confidently with people he trusts. Also, he has achieved remarkable academic success. He has passed all of his GCSEs and is now thriving at college studying media. He hopes to progress to university.

esley says: “When he was first diagnosed, I was told Andrew would have limited capability, could not be educated properly and he would be unable to live what we would call a normal life.

“His consultant wanted him to go to special school because she believed that they could meet his physical and disability needs better than the mainstream system, but I argued that education is key.

“He has seen his sisters go off to university and now this is within Andrew’s reach too.”

Caremark Rotherham and Sheffield began supporting Andrew around six years ago. Afte becoming a single mum, Lesley found herself juggling full?time work, caring responsibilities, and her own health challenges.

“Andrew requires 24?hour care and I was drained, tired and it was affecting me,” she explains.

We stepped in to provide essential respite and practical support. This helped Andrew build the skills and confidence to manage without his mum always being present.

“Thanks to Caremark, Andrew did learn to live without me and it wasn’t just me doing everything for him all of a sudden which took some of the weight off me,” adds Lesley.

We currently support Andrew while Lesley is at work, covering all aspects of care and encouraging him to participate in tasks to promote independence. We also support Andrew in the community. This is because he needs support for safety and confidence. Every successful trip out is a key milestone.

Lesley: “When he goes out and we get him to engage, it’s massive for him.”

Among the team supporting Andrew, Lesley says one person particularly stands out, his Support Worker Charley.

Charley has taken time to truly understand Andrew, including what motivates him, what unsettles him and how to build his trust. She plans ahead and structures their days around Andrew’s needs and preferences. These include shopping trips, walks, meals out and other activities that build his independence and confidence.

esley says there are two particular standout moments. One was when Charley took Andrew to meet a friend for a meal and she waited outside so she could still see him, but it gave him a feeling of real independence. The other moment came on full?day trip to the National Football Museum in Manchester. This is a huge achievement given Andrew’s challenges with travel and busy environments.

“He was so happy when he came back,” says Lesley.

“Charley is not just making him exist; she’s making him live his life.

“She goes above and beyond for him and doesn’t just come and do a job but thinks ahead and wonders next time I’m here, what can we do to make it better?”

Lesley says Andrew has grown into a confident young adult ready for his next chapter, which could possibly even mean moving into supported social housing in the near future. He is now at the top of the waiting list for new accessible supported accommodation in Rotherham. This is opening the door to even greater independence.

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