A Co Down man living with complex needs has launched a campaign to urgently raise money to promote inclusivity across Northern Ireland.
Richard Douglas, from Donaghadee, was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy when he was three, a progressive muscle wasting disease that affects all the muscles in his body including his heart and lungs.
Since his diagnosis, Richard has progressively lost the ability to move his body and is now completely paralysed and unable to do everyday tasks like eating, showering and controlling his wheelchair without the help of carers. He also has complex medical needs which need monitoring 24/7 and has been completely ventilator dependant for the last six years.
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But despite his challenges, Richard, who will celebrate his 30th birthday this year, is determined to help others with life-limiting illnesses.
He founded Hoist Assisted Holiday, and is fundraising to set up the "first specialised accessible holiday accommodation in NI for people who have complex needs and profound disabilities and their families".
As well as having all the usual features of an accessible accommodation it will also be equipped with hoists, profiling beds, changing benches and tilt and specialised shower chairs and more.
Speaking to Belfast Live about their journey, Richard's mum Sharon says her son is very driven by this venture and is excited about enabling profoundly disabled people, to overcome barriers and experience an inclusive respite time together with family and carers in accessible accommodation equipped to meet their care needs.
"There are many people living with a terminal or life limiting illnesses, who are actually excluded from having a short break in Northern Ireland as they need a higher level of support than is available in regular accessible accommodation," Sharon said.
"At Hoist Assisted Holidays we understand that needs are not single and more often complex and dynamic and so we are planning to build adaptive respite/ holiday accommodation that meets the greater need of people living with a profound disability or restriction.
"We urgently need your support to get this up and running as soon as possible. Please donate or fundraise for Hoist Assisted Holidays.
Reflecting on the moment he decided it was going to be an avenue he'd embark on, Richard said after shielding for 17 months during lockdown, he was able to enjoy a short break in Donegal, in a fully equipped specialised accommodation.
During this time away, Richard who has been frustrated for many years about the lack of facilities, decided that he could do something about this unmet need. He realised that this is a challenge he could take on advocating and fundraising to make this a reality in Northern Ireland.
"Many disabled people with complex needs want to live an inclusive and as full a life as possible with their, family, friends, and caregivers," Richard added.
"HAH hopes to be able to give this opportunity to the disabled people of Northern Ireland. What we are looking to create is a seaside accommodation in a bespoke lodge that can offer all of these things in a beautiful location and allow disabled people and their loved ones to have a holiday that they deserve.
"It will be located at Atlantic View Caravan Park in Ballycastle and will have stunning views of Rathlin Island and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s hard to ask people to imagine what’s it’s like to live in my shoes as at times it’s so very different from your own life. I hope that through this small glimpse into my life , people can see what it’s like to live with complex needs and that a simple thing someone might take for granted like a holiday can really be very difficult for someone like me."
Richard's fundraiser has had hundreds of donations, amounting to over £33,000. Blown away by the response, the family aren't stopping there, and have had the help of Snow Patrol, Richard's all-time favourite band.
The Lightbody Foundation donated a signed guitar to the Douglas family, who plan to raffle or auction it off towards their fundraising efforts.
Sharon added: "Gary Lightbody came to our house in Donaghadee and Richard had the most amazing couple of hours with him talking about music and sport. As he is also a United fan they had a common interest and enjoyed spending time talking about some signed shirts that Richard has as well as going through some special photographs Richards has of trip to Old Trafford where Richard met the players. Spending an afternoon with Gary Lightbody is an experience he’ll never forget.
"And then once we were a few months into our fundraising, Richard had encouraged me to write to the Lightbody Foundation, just to ask if they can supply us with something that we could auction at some of our events. We were thrilled when they sent the guitar, we couldn't believe it.
"Richard is just so appreciative of how many people that have read his story, who actually don't know him. And how many people have responded by making donations through our GoFundMe page.He’s been overwhelmed with the support he’s had from the community and how generous people have been. We are so grateful for all the support."
If you’d like to donate please follow this link to the GoFundMe page.
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