Twenty years ago, I reached out for help. Today, my son is giving back.
When my children were diagnosed with autism, our family entered a journey filled with questions, challenges and uncertainty.
Around 20 years ago, I contacted Greenwich Mencap because I needed support. They came alongside me, helped me complete paperwork and offered activities that my children could participate in.
At the time, Samy was only four years old.
I could not have known then what the next 20 years would bring.
Today, Samy is 24 years old, and I have had the joy of watching him grow, develop his abilities and become increasingly involved in his community.
Now, the organisation that once supported us is a place where Samy himself is participating and giving back to the community.
Receiving the Fanny MacRoberts Award, recognising his outstanding achievement, contribution and exceptional effort, marks another special moment in that journey.
As his mother, I am immensely proud of him.
But I also look at this moment through the eyes of the Founding Director of Dare to Hope.
This story represents exactly what Dare to Hope stands for.
We support families through difficult seasons, but we also believe in looking beyond today’s challenges to tomorrow’s possibilities. A child who needs support today may one day become someone who contributes, serves, works and makes a difference in the lives of others.
Our message has always been:
“There is an ability inside every disability.”
Twenty years ago, we were receiving support. Today, Samy is giving back.
That is why I continue to believe in hope.
Hope may not remove the challenge, but it gives you the strength to face it.
And sometimes, when you keep going, you are given the privilege of looking back years later and realising just how far the journey has taken you.
This is our journey.
This is Samy’s journey.
This is why we Dare to Hope. 💚
