Fundraiser To Build a Sitting Room For John

UPDATE!

The marathon was the hardest experience we have ever participated in - however, with everyone's generosity we have raised a total of £4130! This means there is now enough money to begin in April, with the aim to have the works completed in time for the summer.

We are so pleased and grateful for all of your support and kind donations and without you all none of this would be happening. John can't wait to have his own sitting room with a view of the garden, large double doors and a private entrance.

Photos of the sitting room (along with John!) will be posted here as soon as works are completed. On behalf of John and his family (Kath, Ed, Rachael and Hannah) thank you so much for the support - it will make a real difference to his life.

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John Barber's (Barbs) development and quality of life has come on leaps and bounds since he was able to move back to the family home in March 2021. Being around his family has helped John relax in a familiar environment. Having his own transport and electric-powered wheelchair has allowed him the kind of independence that seemed impossible during his first few years of therapy.

However, John has nowhere that he can socialise. Those who know John know how outgoing he is, and the importance of being able to see family and friends is vital for him to make the most of out his life. John has a bedroom in his disabled extension but needs a Sitting Room that John can call his own. Planning permission has been approved, and this will allow John to see friends at any time and have his own space and independence. We (Phil & Jonny) are running the London Marathon Sunday 2nd October to raise funds so that this can happen. John will very gratefully receive any contribution you can make and will make a big difference to the enjoyment of his life and independence. If John is lucky enough to have any excess funds, these will be used for extra therapy costs of Physio and Speech and Language to meet his challenge ‘Goals!’ going forward.

John’s Story

After being a keen footballer and sportsman until the age of 24, John contracted Japanese Encephalitis (a rare mosquito borne zoonotic virus) whilst travelling in Laos and Thailand in 2015. This affects the central nervous system - brain and spinal cord - and for John unfortunately caused him to be largely paralysed from the neck downwards due to spinal cord lesions from the virus (similar to polio). John was first in a coma and is now wheelchair bound, but actively gets out and about and keeps positive.

After many years in hospitals and care homes, John now lives at home in his adapted home annexe and is making the very best of his life. He is busy with his ongoing therapies, has more independence with his electric-powered wheelchair, trips out in his van, and holidays.