Lewis lives with a life-limiting neurological condition. He has seizures, needs medical equipment around him and sometimes needs a wheelchair. Having a safe, suitable home isn't a luxury for him. It's a necessity.

In 2026, our lives changed completely. We had to leave the home Lewis had known for more than 20 years and move into rented accommodation. We thought it would be somewhere we could finally breathe, settle and work out what came next.

Instead, when we moved our belongings in, we discovered significant problems with the condition of the property, including severe and persistent smells. Rather than settling into our new home, Lewis and I ended up living in a hotel while most of our belongings and his medical equipment remained at the house.

I've stood crying in that hotel reception more times this week than I want to count, completely exhausted and wondering what on earth I'm supposed to do next.

As Lewis's mum, I feel so guilty. I feel like I have let him down. It's my job to keep him safe and give him the stability he needs, and I have reached the point where I have to swallow my pride and admit that right now, I need some help as I am broken.

The letting agent has been working with us and the carpets have now been replaced, which has thankfully resolved one of the horrible smells. Unfortunately, a completely separate smell remains and we still don't know what is causing it.

Lewis needs to be back amongst his own things and have access to his medical equipment, so we are going to try to move into the house and make the best of things while the remaining problem is investigated.

But if it cannot be resolved, we may have to move all over again and, if I'm honest, I am just exhausted.

Right now, we are starting again. Most of our life still in boxes and no certainty yet about where we will finally settle.

Despite everything life has thrown at him, Lewis has spent years trying to make life better for other young people living with illness and disability. He has given so much of himself to making other people feel included and reminding them that they belong.

Now people are asking how they can help him.

I find asking for help incredibly difficult. If I'm honest, I feel embarrassed even creating this page. But after so many people have offered to help us, I'm learning that sometimes it's okay to accept kindness when you really need it.

Any money raised will help Lewis and me rebuild some stability and, if we need to move again, help us find somewhere we can finally call home. We will continue pursuing the appropriate people for any costs that are their responsibility.

I don't expect anyone to donate. Simply sharing our story or offering practical help means more than you probably realise.

Right now, I just want to put the kettle on, close the front door and know that we are safe and home.

I've created this page because people have so kindly asked me to. They wanted a way to help Lewis and me and, at a time when I have felt completely overwhelmed, that kindness means more than I can put into words.

Thank you for caring about Lewis.

Emma ❤️