Andy's retirement - BAFF fundraiser

For my retirement, I'm fundraising for Better Action For Families instead of people giving presents or contributing to a collection. So, if you’ve landed on this page, I hope you can find room in your heart and your wallet to donate.

In the summer of 1984, I stumbled into a temporary summer job at Broom Court, a home in Belle Isle that provided both long-term and respite care to children with learning disabilities from across the city. I immediately fell in love with the work, the people, the sense of purpose and the sheer joy of supporting people to live their lives to their fullest. Having found a place in the world that made sense to me - I packed in Uni, got a permanent job and now, with 38 years having flashed by, I find myself on the brink of a retirement that is earlier than I’d planned.

In all my roles in the world of learning disabilities in Leeds, across both the statutory and voluntary sectors, I’ve had the great fortune to experience that same sense of joy. I've also had the honour to grow up (and age) alongside some of those kids, families, and colleagues, crossing paths over the decades and forming long-lasting relationships which have shaped my personal and professional* life.

I've had the privilege of working with some truly remarkable individuals and families and have felt a deep sense of both honour and responsibility in playing my part in shaping and leading some of those services at different times. I’m genuinely humbled by the kindness and affection people have shown each other (and me) over the years. And I thank you for all the advice, guidance, support, and challenge that has come my way from the people I’ve supported, family carers, colleagues, and folk from partner organisations. There's been so much laughter and, at times, so many tears. I also think I may have sworn on occasion.

My original plan on retiring had been to do a charity walk along the Dalesway, which is probably a good 77 miles beyond my current capabilities! So, instead of collecting for a leaving present from work, I’ve asked that donations be made to Better Action For Families (BAFF), one of the many great local charities that do fantastic work with people with learning disabilities and their families. For example, BAFF ensures that professionals and system leaders hear the voices of families through, amongst other things, their role on the Learning Disability Partnership Board. Whilst as professionals, we flit in and out of people's lives, families are in it for the long haul and should be treated with the respect they deserve.

BAFF can do many good things with a small amount of money. So, if you can afford to do so, please give generously – if you have anything positive (or funny) to say in the comments section, that would be a Brucie Bonus.

Keep on, keeping on

Andy

*term used loosely