A disabled teenager stuck indoors for six years could be given access to a garden where she can finally spend time outdoors.
Mollie Warren, 19, has been confined to the home since her family moved into their bungalow in Fitzgerald Close, Staplehurst.
The teenager was diagnosed at a young age with global developmental delay, an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of conditions including epilepsy, scoliosis, arthritis and brittle bones, meaning she is entirely confined to a wheelchair.
Her mother, Leigh, works day shifts at Abbotsleigh Care Centre, while Leigh’s husband, Jibin, works night shifts as senior health assistant, so there is always someone to look after her.
Leigh even considered quitting her job due to Mollie’s complex needs – before a new role was created for her at the George Street house.
Mollie loves being outside and the sounds, colours, smells and textures of a garden are so beneficial to her wellbeing. Her family managed to level and clear the area themselves so the space is now a blank canvas in need of transformation.
Now the Abbotsleigh team are appealing in the hope that local builders, landscapers or suppliers could help create a safe place for Mollie to enjoy in a DIY SOS project.
Leigh, who entered the nursing home 15 years ago, dreams of providing Mollie with a sensory garden complete with water features, flowers and lights so she can enjoy the best possible quality of life.
Abbotsleigh’s registered manager, Alina Abagiu, said: “I can see how difficult it is for Leigh and her husband to juggle work alongside caring for Mollie and her very complex needs.
“Leigh works day shifts while her husband works nights to make sure one of them is always home to look after Mollie 24 hours a day. Leigh brims with enthusiasm and positive attitude and brings a smile to work every day.
“She is dearly loved by all of our residents and staff and we know how life changing it would be for her to have a garden and space to spend some much needed family time with Mollie outside of the home.
“Leigh has been with us since 2007 where she has worked as both a senior supervisor and an assistant manager.
“As Mollie’s care needs became much more complex and her seizures got longer and heavier Leigh felt so guilty when she couldn’t fill her shifts at work as of course Mollie’s needs always come first.
“Unfortunately, Leigh felt she had no choice but to resign. However, as such a valuable member of the team, we didn’t want to let her go and were delighted to be able to create a new role for Leigh as an in-house people development trainer.
“She has a very natural ability to teach and this new role allows for flexibility in terms of Mollie’s needs and unexpected occurrences where she may need hospitalization or emergency care.”
Anyone wishing to help can contact Victoria Highfield at victoria.highfield@nellsar.com or call 07393 012321.
Abbotsleigh Care Centre, part of the Nellsar Care Group, is a nursing and dementia care home.
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