Jimmy's Farm welcomes man in 'breakthrough' trip outside

For 31-year-old Harry Doe, it was a breakthrough which was six years in the making.

Harry, from Colchester, has lived with multiple sclerosis since he was just 14.

Over the past few years his condition has become increasingly complex, with severe pressure sores and long hospital stays leaving him bed bound and extremely anxious about leaving the house.

At one point he spent more than 18 weeks in hospital and faced the prospect of moving permanently into a care facility. His mum, Sue, was determined he should be able to come home.

'Breakthrough' - Harry had a great day at Jimmy's Farm, who donated tickets to arrange the visit (Image: Nurseplus)

A specialist care package was eventually put in place by Nurseplus, whose staff now support Harry daily with everything from repositioning and personal care to arranging district nurse visits and equipment.

With their help, Harry’s pressure sores have healed and he now has a specialist wheelchair – but using it has been another challenge.

Because of high anxiety and the trauma of being unwell for so long, simply getting Harry over the doorstep has been incredibly difficult.

But slowly, with encouragement from carers, Harry started sitting in his chair for short periods and managed a couple of brief trips to a local café before a new idea took hold – a special visit to Jimmy’s Farm.

Happy - Harry braved his anxieties around going outside and steadily built up to the big trip over several months of determination (Image: Nurseplus)

Support - The care team at Nurseplus made sure he was able to have a great day and supported him through his fears (Image: Nurseplus)

Staff at Nurseplus swung into action. Jimmy’s Farm donated tickets and care staff secured a wheelchair-accessible taxi slot with local firm Five Fours. The agency even covered the £80 fare as an early 31st birthday present.

Harry’s visit was kept to just a couple of hours to match what he could manage in his wheelchair, but the day marked a significant milestone.

Mum Sue said: “Harry really enjoyed his visit out. It was a birthday treat. This trip is probably the furthest he’s been out in a wheelchair for six years.

“This trip to Jimmy’s Farm was a real breakthrough – to actually go to the farm is a big win.

“Hopefully we can get him out again somewhere else. It’s a big achievement.”