Jenkin's Story

Jenkin is 25 years old and lives in a care home. Described by his mum Sharon as “popular with a heart of gold”, he has an active social life and enjoys spending time out in the community.

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He loves shopping and has his own cash card, enjoys coffee and carrot cake at his favourite café, and regularly attends activities including swimming, soft play, tennis sessions with NeuroAbility’s Inclusive Sports Facilitator Mark, and Boccia. Jenkin is also a regular at a wellbeing centre in Loughborough, where he meets with friends each week and attends their Wednesday evening disco.

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For Jenkin’s family, keeping him socially active and engaged is an important part of maintaining both his physical and mental wellbeing.

Jenkin has cerebral palsy and primarily uses a wheelchair to get around, although he can crawl when needed. While his verbal communication is limited to saying “Mum” and “Dad”, he understands far more than people often realise. He communicates using Makaton with those who understand it and sometimes uses a communication app on his iPad.

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His parents explained that one of their biggest concerns was helping Jenkin become more independent as he got older. They were also worried about the long-term impact of reduced movement, particularly the risk of contractures developing in his legs if he did not continue regular physiotherapy and daily exercises with support from carers.

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Jenkin now has weekly neurological physiotherapy sessions with Specialist Neuro Physiotherapist Aastha. When Aastha first began working with him, treatment focused on stretches and basic movement work on the bed. Over time, this has progressed into supported standing work using a chair or walking frame.

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His physiotherapy sessions are often recorded so that family members and carers can continue elements of the programme outside of therapy sessions, helping Jenkin stay consistent with his rehabilitation.

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According to Sharon, the physiotherapy “has definitely made Jenkin more independent, which is great to see.”

Jenkin can now independently transfer to the toilet and get in and out of the car by himself. His parents have also noticed a significant improvement in his weight bearing and standing ability, something Sharon admits surprised her.

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Although walking remains Jenkin’s next big goal, Sharon says that, as a mum, she would also love to hear him communicate more through speech in the future.

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Jenkin’s parents hope that sharing his story encourages other families to keep their loved ones active and engaged wherever possible.

Their advice to others in a similar situation is simple:
“Keep them moving. Encourage physiotherapy, swimming and activity. Try to maintain a healthy weight and keep them involved in life.”

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Jenkin's next goal is to walk. But in the meantime, he's already doing what every 25-year-old should have the opportunity to do:

spending time with friends, enjoying sport, making choices, learning new skills and living a full and active life.

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If you live with Cerebral Palsy and need support click: http://www.cerebralpalsy.org.uk/

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