No doubt sparkle meaning12/8/2023 ![]() ![]() To know that they will be well looked after so that their carers can have some respite." Kate said: "The opportunities and independence it gives to people who would otherwise have to sit at home…until you know what that's like, you cannot quite understand. Grove Cottage currently supports around 200 members of all ages, with clubs and activities ranging from an Ofsted-regulated, special needs pre-school nursery, Saturday and holiday clubs for older children, speech and language therapy and a whole variety of social, fitness, performing arts, music and gardening clubs for adults. Artist's impression of Grove Cottage's new building (61518262) The activities at London Road are especially vital during school holidays, not least to give time and space for Matthew to enjoy activities with his parents that Ruth cannot cope with. Peace of mind is priceless for Kate: "I never have to worry when she goes to Grove." Her daughter has always wanted to be able to strike out on her own, but as teenage hormones have kicked in, her need to enjoy the simple pleasure of a solo outing to the charity's club for older children or teen group CHIPS has grown. but Grove Cottage is somewhere that she goes on her own, and that is vital. Kate said: "Ruth will never be able to live independently. Artist's impression of Grove Cottage's new building (61518268) People with Down's syndrome may have mild, moderate or severe intellectual and developmental problems, and it has become clear that Ruth faces the most difficult challenges. ![]() ![]() While she still enjoys watching CBeebies, more usually enjoyed by pre-schoolers, Kate and Andy must make plans for her future as an adult. Since she joined Grove Cottage's nursery at one, the charity has been a constant for Ruth and continues to offer help, advice and support as she reaches adulthood. Instead, Ruth went to Middleton, a state special school for children aged 4 to 11 in Ware, where she was able to make friends, and has since flourished at Pinewood School, an award-winning secondary for children with special educational needs in the same town. Ruth took her first steps at Thorley Pre-school when she was around three-and-a-half and was then given places in Hillmead Primary School's nursery and reception class, but it soon became clear that mainstream education was not the best choice for her. Ruth's regular consultations and ultimately surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London to repair holes in her heart made it impossible for Kate to return to work. Like many children with Down's syndrome, she also had cardiac problems. Ruth had to be woken regularly to be fed and it soon became clear that her development was delayed. "My mum was very helpful as she had a lot of experience," said Kate. They became "unlikely friends" as they came to terms with their new circumstances. It was an isolating experience until a chance encounter in the television room with another exiled new mum, whose drug addiction had affected her baby's health. Ruth was whisked away to special care, interrupting Kate's chance to bond with her little girl, and she was placed in a side room. "It took me back to what life was like then." "I've got an older brother with very severe learning difficulties," she said. Kate said: "My reaction was 'How can they miss this?'" Kate Macfarlane and daughter Ruth.Īs Ruth's condition became clear, Kate understood the implications. However, Ruth was born by chance with an extra chromosome resulting in genetic disorder Down's syndrome. Like many pregnant women over 35, Kate underwent tests to detect any potential abnormalities and was given the all-clear. There were no signs that Ruth's arrival 20 months later would be any less routine. The former research scientist, 51, and husband Andy, a Scottish software engineer, have lived in Bishop's Stortford since 2000.Īfter some difficulties conceiving, the birth of their first child, Matthew, now a 16-year-old student at The Bishop's Stortford High School, was uneventful and the couple were eager to add to the family. Kate explained why she was so anxious to ensure that its future was safeguarded so that many more children and adults in need can access its support. ![]() East Herts Council has granted planning permission for a new purpose-built headquarters, and now the charity needs to generate enough cash to deliver the design to meet the unique needs of Grove Cottage's members and their families. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |