Family set to go on their first-ever holiday

A FAMILY of three from Warrington are set to go on their first ever holiday thanks to the Marjorie Griffiths Respite Care Fund – administrated by Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP).
The fund makes small grants for carers and disabled people to take short breaks.
Michelle Gower, aged 37, and her husband Brian, aged 42, from Orford, are excitedly looking forward to a camping trip together with their son Jason, aged 8.
Brian’s application for funding from the user-led social enterprise will finance equipment including an awning to attach to their Vito van.
“I have been married to Brian for nearly 13 years, yet we have never had a family holiday,” said Michelle, who is currently being assessed for Borderline Personality Disorder – best understood as a disorder of mood and how a person interacts with others.
“I’m not ashamed to have a mental health condition, but I have to battle with myself all the time; it can be hard to manage my impulses and emotions. Plus Jason is on the autistic spectrum and has problems with physical coordination.
“Brian is an amazing husband and father. He cares for both of us on a full-time basis and has never asked for help. He only recently started to access carers’ support through WDP.”
Brunhilde Munslow, from WDP, told the family about the Respite Care Fund, which would allow them to have a short break close to home.
Michelle said: “It’s just what we need to bond as a family with a change of scenery. Due to Jason’s attention difficulties, we would never be able to pitch a tent, so we have used the money to buy an awning to attach to our little van.
“For the first time in ages, it feels like we’re making progress with our health problems and have a holiday to look forward to. We cannot thank WDP and the Respite Care Fund enough!”
To enquire about the Marjorie Griffiths Centre Respite Fund, contact Brunhilde Munslow on 01925 240064.
The fund is named after a former Warrington head teacher and magistrate.
Pictured back row, left to right are Brian and Michelle Gower, Brunhilde Munslow and front row, Jason Gower.