What Bendrigg Means To Us…

A guest blog from Dawn Flint, mum to the lovely Lewis, 14.

What does Bendrigg mean to Lewis and I? Everything!

Throughout Lewis’ life ‘He’s happy watching the other children’ is a phrase I’ve heard time and time again. Those words are guaranteed to make my blood boil! Lewis is not happy watching others, he wants to be involved in everything.

We often describe Lewis as a white knuckle child.

He loves adventure, activity and speed. Bendrigg is one of very few places where he can experience all of those and participate in absolutely everything on offer!

Lewis is 14 and has an un-diagnosed genetic condition.

He has no independent mobility or speech and is reliant on us for all his care needs. Lewis uses an eye gaze communication aid to communicate and is constantly talking about Bendrigg, telling us that he loves the climbing wall, tube slide and indoor swing.

Lewis has been to Bendrigg 9 or 10 times over the last 5 years either with myself on family weekends or with school.

I can honestly say that our weekends at Bendrigg are the highlights of our year!

Watching Lewis climb walls and abseil back down, laugh with delight as he goes down a tube slide, relax in the amazing sensory room, grin as he spins round the room on a swing suspended from the ceiling to his favourite music and all alongside friends. It’s a truly heart-warming and magical place.

The staff at Bendrigg are amazing, taking as much time as is needed to make sure every child can participate. It’s all done with smiles on their faces and encouraging words. It truly is our favourite place to be, offering adventure, fun and friendship for all.

Check out some more heart warming testimonials and Bendrigg stories from families, groups, individuals and volunteers here.

What does Bendrigg mean to you? Get in touch with our Marketing and Fundraising Officer to share your story.