Home adaptations are a ‘dream come true’
December 21, 2021
Alterations made to a family home have made a life-changing difference to one five-year-old boy.
Oliver Bailey-Hill has a rare genetic condition and needs round-the-clock care.
His parents, Lauren Hill and Darren Bailey, could not find a home suitable for his needs that allowed him stay near his hometown of Alton, Hampshire.
So instead, a partnership of organisations have helped to radically transform a house in Chawton to give him the space, facilities and access he needs to live a comfortable and fulfilling life.
Their new home has been extended with a purpose-built, ground floor bedroom for Oliver, along with a wet room and his own front door.
The £77,576 work took 18 months to complete and was funded by a partnership of East Hampshire District Council, National Park Authority, NHS Solent, Hampshire County Council and Clarion Housing Association.
Oliver has been diagnosed with the genetic condition TITN Gene Myopathy. Lauren and Darren have described the scheme and its effect on their son’s life as a ‘dream come true’.
“The extension has made a vast difference to the quality of Oliver’s life and ours,” they said.
“We would also like to thank South Downs National Park for their financial contribution to make this dream come true.”
Gill Welsman, who oversees Section 106 Funding for the Authority, said: “It’s been a privilege to be part of this project and positively impact the quality of life of a family who live in the South Downs National Park.
“We wish the family a happy and prosperous future in their new home. These kinds of projects underline the amazing impact that Section 106 funding can have on our communities.”
Image: Oak tree in frost at East Worldham by John Denyer