LIVE - The magazine for Optivo residents Summer 2017 | Page 13

Longest marriage
in East Sussex?
Fred and Marj Millard, met aged 17 and married in
1943 - and this year they’re celebrating 74 years
of wedded bliss! Happy Anniversary to the couple
who now live at The Orangery in Sidley.
Tuesday 1 August
from 11am to 3pm
New found freedom
St Leonards Fun day, Hollington Bowl
Young resident, John Lindsay, is enjoying
a new found freedom in his home
after we installed new handrails.
Tuesday 8 August
from 11am to 3pm
John, 12, has cerebral palsy in all four of his
limbs, which means using the stairs unaided
is a real challenge. Frustratingly, he would
often have to be carried by dad, Mark, or
would have to face climbing up on all fours.
Northiam Chill ‘n’ Chat extra, Cavix Field
Friday 11 August
from 11am to 3pm
Heart of Sidley Fun day
Sidley Rec, Canada Way
But specially made handrails added to the
staircase at his home in Littlehampton, West
Sussex, by Optivo carpenter Kevin Smith,
have made a huge difference – and John
is finally able to be more independent.
Friday 18 August
from 11am to 3pm
Hastings Fun day Friday, Broomgrove
Mark said: “It’s made a big difference in all of our
lives. John has so much more freedom to explore
the house on his own. It seems like a little thing but
there’s a big sense of achievement from getting up
the stairs on his own. He doesn’t have to wait for
me and his mum to notice he’s tired – he can take
himself off to bed. And if he’s bored of our company,
he can go off too – just like a regular teenager!”
Tuesday 22 August
from 11am to 3pm
Battle Fun day, Coronation Gardens
For more details please call the
Sussex Resident Involvement Team
on 0800 121 60 60 or email
Resident.InvolvementSussex@
Optivo.org.uk
If you feel you would benefit from a home
adaptation, contact your housing officer.
Optivo will be at Brighton Pride on
Sat 5 August and Hastings Pride
on Sun 27 August. Look out for
our float and give us a wave!
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