A family has raised thousands of pounds to say thank you for the care their son Joseph has received from us over the years. 

Joseph with his mum and dad Claire and Paul

Joseph has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive and incurable muscle-wasting condition, and started visiting us when he was five-years-old for respite care.

His parents Claire and Paul, who live in Wellington, Telford, with Joseph say we have been a vital part of their lives and Paul has been fundraising by cycling the length of the UK as a way to give something back.

Essential care

“They have always been there for us as a family,” said Claire. “Whether it has been for respite care so we can have a break, being on hand for us to try out new medications and treatments with professionals on hand, or doing home visits when I have been on my own and need support with Joseph.

“I don’t know what life would have been like with Hope House in our lives, it’s almost unimaginable.

“The thing is, we need to be in a place where we can care for Joseph too, and without Hope House I don’t believe we would have been.”

Joseph is now 25 and no longer uses Hope House, but has made many memories with the staff and other children there over the years.

Incredible experiences

“From the young adult group outings and weekends to playing computer games, making friends, and the incredible roast dinners, Joe really has had a blast during his stays,” said dad Paul.

“I remember that Joe stayed there the night before my daughter Jessica’s wedding so we could be there for her, they even got him ready for the day itself and got him looking all smart – but people don’t often think about those extra touches and how important they are.”

Paul has recently just completed a Land’s End to John O’Groats challenge on his bike raising nearly £3,000.

“It was just my way of somehow saying thank you in some way to Hope House for all the help and support they have given us,” added Paul.

Donate to Paul's ride here