Let’s get to know Mark, one of our adults currently living at Beeches, who has lived at Hollybank for a whopping 40 years!
One of the most special events held by Beeches last year was Mark’s 40 Years at Hollybank Trust Anniversary Celebration, recognising how much Mark has grown as a person, and how much Hollybank Trust has evolved over the years. The event was attended by support workers, staff, and his fellow peers, all whom have become friends and mentors of Mark, and have been a significant part of Mark’s journey at Hollybank and at different times in his life so far.
During Mark’s 40th anniversary celebration at Beeches, members of the team who have supported Mark over the years reminisced over old times together, piecing together memories from fun outings, community celebrations, and family day trips.
Being surrounded by people who know him so well is part of what make Mark’s life at Hollybank so fulfilling.
The last 40 years for both Mark and Hollybank have been evolutionary but going right back to the start, when Mark’s family were choosing a place for him to live, Hollybank stood out as a place where he could thrive. Mark’s family knew that Hollybank was the place where he would not only receive the care and support he needed, but where he would also be encouraged to try new things and pursue his interests.
Julia, Mark’s Mum, commented: “We had no hesitation in deciding the new Rooftops bungalow was the best home for Mark to live. It had everything he needed onsite facilities including Physio, Speech Therapist, social activities and to continue his life with his friends Mark settled in his new home straight away he loved it. He even chose the colour scheme of his bedroom!”
Mark is a bit of a sports fanatic, and loves watching the footie, golf, cricket and sailing. He shares the same name with the golfer Mark James, and he loves hearing his name being called on TV.
Mark’s mum commented: “He loves the social side going out to watch football and heading to pub afterwards.”
As for the sports that Mark gets involved in himself, he loves nothing more than taking a dip and going for a swim in the hydrotherapy pool, very rarely missing his weekly swimming sessions at the Hollybank onsite Bradbury Centre.
One of the most pivotal moments in Mark’s time at Hollybank was the day he helped open Hollybank’s very first bungalow during a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion. It was a proud moment for Mark and a special day that marked both personal and community achievement.
Julia commented: “It was a very proud day for Mark and Hollybank Trust when they opened their first bungalow. There was nothing like it in West Yorkshire. Mark called it home immediately. We only had the occasional visit from him back at his childhood home from then on since he wanted to spend his time at Hollybank.”
Mark’s family are always keen to offer new opportunities to Mark to discover new places to visit which appeals to his adventurous side. Adventures have included family road trips to Devon, and Mark has been on a helicopter ride over Blackpool!
During one trip to Blackpool in 1994, Mark met TV comedian Frank Carson and TV comedians Little and Large.
Another one of Mark’s favourite celebrities is Kylie Minogue, and he’s been to see her in concert multiple times now!
An exuberant foodie, Mark’s preferred cuisine is Indian, and chicken curry is always on the menu for him when he heads out with his family for dinner at a local Indian restaurant.
Over the 40 years Mark has lived at Hollybank, Mark and his family have seen both Hollybank and Mark evolve and change. Hollybank has grown in particular in the areas of personalised care and opportunities for independence for Mark and his peers, with Mark’s time at Hollybank allowing him to discover new exciting holiday destinations.
Mark’s mum Julia recalls: “Mark’s first ever holiday abroad with Hollybank Trust was to Belgium. Since then, Hollybank Trust have been on holidays alongside Mark to Spain, Jersey, Blackpool, Filey, and Butlins. Mark’s next holiday to Butlins with Hollybank is planned in for August.”
Living at Hollybank has also allowed Mark to find out about groups that are on his home turf. The team at Beeches support Mark to visit a local community group in Ravensthorpe, where he looks forward to playing board games with new friends he has made there.
Mark told the team at Hollybank that every year, he ‘cannot wait’ for his birthday and Christmas! Hollybank birthday parties and celebrations are part of what makes it a place that our adults, children and young people can call home.
Julia said: “Last summer, Hollybank staff helped arrange a very special memory for Mark when his brother, sister-in-law and two nephews visited him from Australia. They arranged a pool party in the hydrotherapy pool for Mark and his nephews, which was amazing. Thank you so much again to everyone who made this possible!”
Mark’s relatives are a close family unit and they are looking forward to the memories that are still to made at the Trust, alongside new photos of these memories to add to the family album.
Hollybank Trust is a registered Charity: 1043129
VAT Registration Number: 479 750144
