Access Magazine Issue 10 November 2013 edition, published 20th October 2013
This month Brad Francis finds himself inspired by a glitzy evening held to celebrate the first 50 years of respite charity Vitalise…
It’s been a frenetic few weeks on the disability radar since I penned my last column. There was National Paralympic Day, of course, marking a year since the London 2012 Paralympics; and coinciding with that were a couple of surveys carried out by Vitalise and Scope. Both surveys seemed to back up the opinion I expressed in the September issue of access– that the Paralympic ‘feel good factor’ may be on the wane, and that urgent work is required to sustain the legacy of the games.
Life-changing work
On a happier note, I was excited and honoured this month to be invited to Vitalise’s 50th Anniversary gala and awards ceremony at London’s awe-inspiring City Hall, to commemorate the five decades since the organisation was first founded. My carer and I had the great pleasure of staying at one of Vitalise’s three respite centres earlier this year, and the experience was truly life changing. Up until that point, I never knew such places even existed. For me, going away for a few days’ break meant either taking potluck with a hotel or staying in a care facility – both options that always filled me and my carer with dread. Vitalise, with its enthusiastic volunteers, exuberant staff and fine attention to detail, changed all that.
So it was that yours truly, resplendent in James Bond-style threads, mingled with a mix of specially invited guests, long-serving supporters, highly motivated fund raisers, volunteers and service users, as well as the charity’s own trustees and staff.
We were entertained by Vitalise Vice President and veteran broadcaster, Arthur Smith, who was joined on the podium by Chief Executive Chris Simmonds and Trustees Chair Mindy Sawhney – the latter of whom delivered a particularly stirring keynote speech that got my heart pumping with pride. Music was provided by a trio of disabled musicians from the charity Drake Music, which uses assistive music technology to break down disabling barriers to music making and performing.
Feeling part of something
I was also able to meet some really interesting people over a cheeky glass of red while savouring the delicious canapés – such as fundraiser Michael, whose speciality is building and designing architectural models using a range of different materials.
His attention to detail and dedication to his art were truly captivating. He is able to generate exceptional levels of fund raising through his skills by selling his models, and I could see his eyes start to shine when he talked about his work and what it means to the charity.
I was further inspired after meeting Vitalise trustee Gavin, and his delightful wife, Tara. The former was bowled-over by the vivacity and vitality of the longstanding supporters and volunteers in attendance, many of whom were the recipients of awards being given out that evening.
“It’s easy to see how integral these people are in transforming the lives of individuals and families who endure the daily challenge of living with disability” Gavin said, beaming. Indeed, without the involvement of people like Michael, Gavin and Tara, charities like Vitalise simply would not exist.
At events such as this, it feels so good to be part of something rather than isolated – to feel appreciated and loved for who you are, and what you can contribute towards making life fun for disabled people. Surely that, after all, is what a respite break is all about.
Sensitive area…
I’ll finish with a quick word on the subject of disability sex and relationships. I know it’s a very sensitive area, and that most able-bodied people think the disabled don’t want, or even need sex, or desire to have a relationship with that special someone.
Well, this may come as a shock, but we have the same sexual desires and like to indulge just as much! I flirted with this subject a couple of issues ago, but I’m now on a mission to delve into the tenebrous world of online dating, disabled-style. Next issue, I’ll reveal all…
