Lee is 31 years old and regularly attends sessions at our Resource Centres in Thanet.
On Tuesday 9th April, he delivered a talk to his peers and support staff at our Ramsgate Resource Centre about living with Cystic Fibrosis. With support from his keyworker, Fiona Wonford, and Mum, Annette, Lee stood in front of more than 20 people to explain what the disease is, how it affects him personally and the challenges he faces daily.
The talk focused on daily routines and the physiotherapy that Lee must do to ensure he stays as healthy as possible – part of this is to carry out ‘Huffing’. Previously, peers had heard Lee huffing and showed concern at the noise, worrying that Lee was very poorly, so this inspired him to explain what it is, why he does it, and what it involves – to allow those around him to gain a better understanding of what is happening, and therefore, feel at ease.
Lee presented signs and symbols to the group which could be used to further develop understanding of what Lee was explaining to the group.
The talk was hugely successful, Lee was confident and very informative. Lee’s peers were interested, making comments throughout and asking questions in a bid to understand more. One peer commented: ‘That’s awful, you’ve got to be very careful and look after yourself’
Lee is set to deliver another talk amongst his peers and support staff at Margate Resource Centre, with hopes of a visit later in the year from his Cystic Fibrosis nurse from King’s Hospital in London.
Lee hopes that in sharing his story with his peers and staff, he has given more awareness and understanding on how we can support him with his condition.
