Sixteen-year-old Billy Green from Tamworth who has a rare genetic condition, now has access to a safe and calming outdoor space, thanks to the generous efforts of fundraising group, Simon’s Heroes.
Billy lives with Usher’s Syndrome, which causes hearing loss and progressive vision impairment. He is also autistic and experiences joint hypermobility, which adds to the challenges his family face in providing him with a suitable environment to relax and self-regulate.
Recognising Billy’s need for a dedicated space, his family reached out to Simon’s Heroes for help. While they had already purchased several items to create a sensory outdoor haven, they lacked the resources and time to install a pathway to make the space safely accessible.
‘We wanted to create a space for him that is sensory, where he can relax when he’s feeling overwhelmed or needs to self-regulate,’ explained Billy’s mum, Jo.
‘He currently shares a bedroom with his brother, so he lacks privacy and space. Billy’s brother also has additional needs, so a separate space for Billy was very much needed.’
Simon’s Heroes stepped in to help. The charity removed the old pathway and installed a new accessible one that leads to Billy’s outdoor room – his safe retreat – where he can relax and unwind.
‘We’re delighted with our garden,’ Jo shared. ‘Billy has already been enjoying his space. This will make a big difference to all of our lives. Thank you so much!’
Simon’s Heroes would like to thank its members who gave their time to fulfil this and landscape gardener, Mark Wood, who travelled from Shropshire to lend a hand.
Author: C Abbott
