I wanted to revisit this story which was originally published in issue 1-6 because Steven still needs sponsorship.

The brother and father of a man paralysed in an accident nearly five years ago have revealed that they have built their own hoist system to help him. Stephen Carver-Brown was paralysed below the shoulders in a mountain bike accident five and a half years ago and has struggled to live a normal life ever since. He requires 24-hour care, with extra help needed twice a day to reduce the moving handling duties of his carer. His brother, who is studying physiotherapy in Cape Town, has been working to make Steven's planned visit to the family home as comfortable as possible. His family have gone to extensive lengths to ensure when he visits the family home each year, he has the required comfort and facilities he needs. South Africa (ZA) has nothing compared to the facilities others take for granted. As one who has a special interest in ZA, having worked there on several occasions and written a book during that time, I spoke with Stephen about the adaptations that were made.

His dad and brother built a hoist that would enable him to get into the family swimming pool with much more ease. “It has been a godsend and a saving grace” Stephen said. The hoist sees him lowered into the shallow end of the pool. He dons an inflatable vest as well as ankle weights which enables him to be moved up to the deep end where he can stand completely upright without any assistance from his carer. The limited movement in his arms is wildly exaggerated when he is in the pool which means he can have the kind of workout that he cannot get anywhere else. “45 minutes of this and I’m knackered” he said.

His family are active participants in his care while he is in ZA, and their “combined ingenuity has made life so much easier” but unfortunately, the infrastructure in ZA is not as good as it is here in the UK unless you have plenty of money for private care. Stephen is currently trying to find a way of returning back home on a permanent basis but the cost of private care and the training of personal assistants is making this task difficult. Chris, Stephen’s father told me that he is currently seeking sponsorship to enable Stephen and his carer to fly to Cape Town each Christmas time. So if anyone knows of a charity, individual or organisation who may be able to help, please let me know.