Blog – David’s Marathon Experience

Blog – David’s Marathon Experience

“Three years ago I decided I wanted to take on the challenge of running the London Marathon. I started training and was lucky enough to get a place with Orchard Vale Trust. Then, like all of us running, we got told the Marathon wouldn’t happen due to lock down. Fast forward to 2023 and Marathon day was here. After months of training, then not being able to train due to illness and then my son being born, I felt nervous but ready to take on the challenge. 

4hrs 45min was my aim and when running the course, I soon realised how much I was enjoying it. Going round with the crowd cheering you on was phenomenal and the last 4 miles I got a burst of energy and managed to run the fastest I have and completed the 26.1 miles in 4hrs 18min. What a day and a memory I will have forever. The training and the pain was 100% worth it. I have really enjoyed raising money for Orchard Vale Trust and am so happy I have raised more then my target.”

-David

Interview: Ben’s Camino Trek

Interview: Ben’s Camino Trek

I had a chat with former Trustee Ben Lumley-Smith and discussed his upcoming trip to Spain where he will be taking on the Camino. Ben is raising funds for OVT and British Heart Foundation after tragically losing his close friend Tom to Sudden Death Syndrome. You can support Ben here: https://bit.ly/BenCamino

The Interview

Please could you start by telling me a little bit about yourself and your link to the trust?

My primary link with the trust is through my family. I’m the second of three boys – Adrian, myself and Tim who has lived with OVT for many years. Tim was born with learning difficulties and my parents were always worried as to what would happen to Tim once he finished education. They really wanted Tim to have an independent life which is very important for him and for the family. I’ve also been a trustee at OVT in the past and my older brother is a trustee currently.

Why is it you’re taking on the Camino del Norte?

I moved back from Hong Kong in 2014 after being away for many, many years. I had been through a divorce, and I needed to get back to family. Mum had moved down to Somerset, and she’d reconnected with her first cousin, through whom I met Tom who is their only son. Tom was a policeman and had also recently gone through a divorce. Due to our similar experiences, we ended up doing a lot of walking along routes such as the southwest coastal path and the Brecon Beacons – it was kind of like self-therapy.

Because we had done all this walking, he brought up the topic of the Camino, which I’d never heard of. Tom told me to watch a film called ‘The Way’, which tells the story of a man who walks the Camino after his son falls from a cliff attempting the same journey. It’s a really uplifting story and I recommend it to anyone who hasn’t seen it.

As we continued walking together, Tom started getting his life back on track, you couldn’t wish to meet a nicer guy. Sadly, three days before his 40th birthday, his father went upstairs and found his son dead in bed. He had passed away with sudden Death syndrome. Now my understanding of SDS is effectively that you have an electric pulse that goes from the brain to the heart and the brain is essentially telling the heart to beat. With SDS, that instruction stops and the heart stops beating.

A week after Tom’s Funeral, I got a job in the Cayman Islands and then shortly after I got called to start a business in Hong Kong with a former colleague of mine. In May last year, I moved back to the UK to be closer to family. I didn’t know what I was going to do as I’ve got too much going on in my head and find it very difficult to switch off. I’ve written a book about my travels in China that will be published at the end of May called ‘Lost and Found in China’, and after writing it I felt I needed the next project or challenge.

I decided that, in memory of Tom, walking the Camino would be a really good thing to do for him and to raise money for charity. In terms of charities, British Heart Foundation was a natural choice due to the nature of Tom’s passing.  I will also fundraise for OVT very much because of my brother and all that the family believes in by way of OVT and all they’ve done for the residents over 30 years.

 

Could you tell me a bit more about the details of the trip and how it’s going to work?

It’s not really sunk in yet to be honest, Dan. I think the hardest step will be the first step, walking 500 miles doesn’t mentally phase me at all. Some people say to me, ‘that’s amazing. 500 miles. How on earth are you going to do that?’ Maybe I’m just to matter of fact about it.

In terms of how it will work, I have this little book which I will carry in my rucksack that has got 37 day stages. On there, it’s got topography, it’s got how many kilometres I’m walking each day and where I’m going to stay. So I will start in the very far North East of Spain, in a city called Irun, and I will make my way over the 37 stages to Santiago de Compostela. This is an old Pilgrim trail, and apparently the bones of Saint James are buried in that cathedral in Santiago.

There are several ways to do this journey, but I’ll be doing northern route. There’s something called the Camino Francaise, which starts on the French side of the Pyrenees and goes further down and across to Santiago. That to me is flatter and less interesting. This is going to be more challenging. I will climb more than the height of Everest over the course of the 500 miles, roughly 12,300 metres of climbing, so I think that’s the thing I’m most worried about.

I did a 20km walk this morning in training, some days I’ll walk with a rucksack, some days I’ll walk without. I’m not taking a tent so each night I plan to end up in in what are called albergues, and these are basically glorified dormitories. These are well known and very cheap at around five or six Euros a night, I’m not high living it by any stretch!

 

What will you take with you along the trip?

My rucksack is 42 litres and I’m not taking even taking a sleeping bag, but I’m taking a sleeping bag liner because I’m trying to keep weight down to around 10 or 11 kilos. I’ll be taking spare clothes. There’ll be a Cape because April is going to be pretty wet. I’m taking vitamin tablets to keep my knees from hopefully ceasing up. I’m taking a tonne of plasters because I believe in prevention is better than cure, so I will actually wear plasters even without having any blisters. I’ll take personal soap and a toothbrush and a razor. I’m taking a hat and gloves because at some stage I’ll be about 2 or 3000 feet above sea level, and it could be snowing. I’m taking a plastic plate which can be turned into a soup bowl and a spoon. Also water bottles, walking poles, and that’s about it for practical equipment.

I’ll take the Kindle for evenings in the alburge, as well as a book to write notes on the trip. I’ll have a phone, a battery charger, and headphones. On my watch, if anything happens to me, I can press a button and a message will go to my two sons just in case something happens.

The main thing I’m worried about is blisters. That will really ruin the fun. I will take a day off a week just to rest, because I’m not a spring chicken anymore. I have always believed there’s a physical fitness and there’s mental fitness, and I’m sure there will be days when the body will be more willing than the brain and vice versa.

 

What will be the first thing you do when you finish?

My youngest son asked me this and I said I’ll probably experience some depression. It’s just like studying for a big exam, or working on a really big deal at work and then it’s over and you think, what the hell am I going to do? So, I expect to finish this walk in the second or third week of May. And as I said, my book will be published on the 28th of May, which will probably save me from going mad. There’s an old saying that there’s a book in every one of us, and I always used to treat that with disdain because I thought that was the most ridiculous statement, but it’s true.

What’s Your 22?

What’s Your 22?

Tuesday 22nd February 2022 is a day colloquially being referred to as ‘Twosday’, and we’ve decided to celebrate this with a challenge inspired by twos. We are challenging you to post an image or video of yourself creating a ‘22’ in an unexpected way, share it to your preferred social media with the hashtag #whatsyour22, donate £2 to OVT, and tag two friends to the same.

The idea behind this is to encourage people to express the individuality and creativity that they will be using to make the most out of their 2022. As we’ve all faced such a difficult past two years, we want to spread a positive message – how we all approach challenges in unique ways and use them to create something special.

For inspiration, here are some ideas for creative 22s: if someone loves plants, they could gather all their plants and shape them into a 22; love glitter? Use glue to make a sparkly 22; have a bit of a shoe buying problem? Make a shoe 22; if walking is their favourite thing to do, try creating a walking route in the shape of a 22! The possibilities are endless…

If you have come up with your 22 but are unsure what to post, why not use the sample post below as a guide?

Check out my 22!

Celebrate #twosday and take part in the #whatsyour22 challenge for Orchard Vale Trust – supporting adults with learning disabilities and embracing how our differences make us brilliant. I Nominate @Person A and @Person B to create a ‘22’ that represents YOU!

Take on the challenge, donate £2 here LINK and tag two friends to do the same! Help Orchard Vale Trust to continue supporting people with learning disabilities to live their lives to the full!

If you have any questions or would like to know more, please email daniel.cheney@orchardvaletrust.org.uk

Julie’s Giving Story

Julie’s Giving Story

Julie has been with the Trust since 2004, when she started as a Relief Worker at East Court. She fell in love with the place during her many visits with the previous manager to set up some dance workshops. It didn’t take long until she left her job and came to work at East Court instead. From the beginning, something about OVT was different – she’d never been somewhere before that felt as supportive and fun. Throughout her time here, she’s appreciated the way that she’s had opportunities to develop her own skills while supporting and helping the residents develop theirs.

Even on her hardest days as soon as she walks through the front door, she is greeted by one of the resident’s and it cheers her up, she has always found it is such a warm and welcoming place.

She describes the residents at East Court as an incredible group of individuals, that have been at the heart of everything she’s done here, and she’s always keen to push the boundaries to ensure they have opportunities to do what is important to them. She also loves working with the staff and encouraging their development too.

Working for a charity can be a challenge, as we’re often limited by lack of funds, but that’s inspired her to be flexible and creative. She works with a great team of people with a range of skills and interests who are willing to muck in and do what it takes to give the residents the opportunities they deserve.

If this story has inspired you to hop on board the radical generosity train, please consider donating to the Orchard Vale Trust’s Giving Tuesday campaign. We’re a charity dedicated to supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society, adults with learning disabilities. Our mission is to help them live life to the full, that’s why we’re asking people to donate towards items that are all about having fun. As little as £1 could help bring someone a great deal of happiness. Donate here: Orchard Vale Trust – Things To Get Me (thingstogetus.com)

Mike’s Story

Mike’s Story

There’s nothing Mike loves more than exploring the world on his bike. He’s well-placed to do it, as his home Northcroft is in an area of outstanding natural beauty, surrounded by rolling hills and splendid views. He says he likes cycling so much because he loves being outside and taking in the fresh air. People with learning disabilities often struggle to get the recommended amount exercise, so it’s great that Mike has been able to find a hobby that helps him stay happy and healthy.

His favourite place to go riding is The Strawberry Line by Axbridge because it’s so pretty, this path provides a traffic-free route straight from The Mendips to the sea. When he rides his grey bike along this familiar route, he feels content and joyful. Some of the best moments for him are when he changes gears while working hard to get up a hill, or when he skids. He’s a sensible man, though, and always keeps his helmet on.

As it’s so important to him, Mike takes good care of his bike. He’s become a bit of a puncture wizard and enjoys fixing flats for all of his friends who are fellow cycling fanatics. To keep their beloved bikes in good working order, Mike and the other residents of Northcroft would love to get a bike shed to protect their wheels from the cold, rain and any other elements provided by the unpredictable British weather. Then, they can keep exploring the open countryside to their heart’s content.

If this story has inspired you to hop on board the radical generosity train, please consider donating to the Orchard Vale Trust’s Giving Tuesday campaign. We’re a charity dedicated to supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society, adults with learning disabilities. Our mission is to help them live life to the full, that’s why we’re asking people to donate towards items that are all about having fun. As little as a pound could help bring happiness to our service users. Donate here: Orchard Vale Trust – Things To Get Me (thingstogetus.com)

Kirsty’s Hive Story

Kirsty’s Hive Story

Before coming to Orchard Vale Trust, Kirsty felt like she was going backwards. After leaving school, she didn’t have people her own age to spend time with or talk to. She spent most of her days at home. The longer she stayed there, the harder it became to leave. People with learning disabilities often experience isolation and loneliness. This is dangerous to both their mental and physical health, with the sorrowful feeling putting individuals at a greater risk of cognitive decline.

Things have been getting better for Kirsty though, ever since she joined the OVT family. At the Hive, she spends lots of time with her peers and has formed strong relationships, like the one she has with her good friend Rhianna. They have bonded over their shared love of art and often swap drawings with each other. Kirsty recently drew a picture of Rhianna’s favourite musician, Michael Jackson, for her as a gift.

Art has always been one of the things she loves most. At the Hive, Kirsty has not only found more time to embrace her hobby, but she’s also found new inspiration. The people she spends time with give her new ideas, while workshops with staff have encouraged her to try out mediums like papier-mache (although pencils are still her favourite). Part of the reason art means so much to her is because she believes it’s how you show others the person you are inside.

She still has bad times and sometimes gets stuck in her own head, worrying about things like her family, but when she comes to The Hive she tries to put that all behind her. Spending time with her friends helps to distract her. Her confidence in both socialising and creating art has grown a lot since she started here. She’s now eager to keep on trying new things and moving forwards, never backwards. With some help from you, she could soon be learning a new kind of art. You can donate to help Kirsty and her friends get some photography equipment and capture pictures of the things that matter to them. She thinks she will take lots of pictures of lots of different things.

We are pleased to say that we completed a fundraising campaign and got the photography equipment for The Hive. Thank you to everyone who supported this campaign. We would like to particular thank Sun Chemical in Midsomer Norton, who generously donated £200 towards this cause.

Stay in touch and get our monthly newsletter with updates on our news, events, day services, community enterprises and residential homes. You will also receive updates on vacancies, fundraising events and everything else you can join in with! Orchard Vale Trust – Mailing List

A Day to Celebrate the Joy of Giving

A Day to Celebrate the Joy of Giving

There’s something about giving to others that just makes us feel good. In fact, a 2008 study by Harvard Business School found that giving money to someone else makes us happier than spending it on ourselves. Which is quite a lovely thing when you think about it, because it means that, at our core, humans want to help each other. When we donate to charities, it ignites the part of our brain that’s associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust.

There’s a decent chance that you’ve heard of Giving Tuesday. Beginning in the USA in 2012, it’s grown into a global movement, with a presence in 75 countries. The idea behind it is simple: a day that encourages people to do good. It supports the idea of “radical generosity” – that we should be generous as an expression of solidarity and community with others. Essentially, that the act of giving brings us all closer together. The day has been celebrated in the UK since 2014 and the website describes it as a ‘day where everyone, everywhere can do something to support the good causes that mean so much to them’.

The day itself is always celebrated on the Tuesday following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, falling on the 30th of November this year. These two days are dedicated to shopping until you’re dropping, with many retailers lowering their prices massively to drive up sales. While some just view this as a great opportunity to snag a deal, in recent years the holidays have been criticised for encouraging overconsumption and practices that can be damaging to the environment. If you’re of the latter perspective, Giving Tuesday could be viewed as a balm to these two days. Instead of encouraging people to spend their money on lots of things they might not need, it encourages people to give whatever they can to people who really need it.

Whatever your opinion, it’s clear that Giving Tuesday has captured something of the human spirit. In 2020, the day netted charities approximately £20.2m, equivalent to almost £14000 a minute. It’s also garnered the support of notable figures such as Sir Ian McKellen, Stephen Fry, and Michelle Obama. This year, you too can offer your support by joining their #MyGivingStory campaign. Just share an experience you’ve had of giving to charity and how it made you feel on social media and remember to use the hashtag!

 

If this story has inspired you to hop on board the radical generosity train, please consider donating to the Orchard Vale Trust’s Giving Tuesday campaign. We’re a charity dedicated to supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society, adults with learning disabilities. Our mission is to help them live life to the full, that’s why we’re asking people to donate towards items that are all about having fun. As little as a pound could help bring happiness to our service users. Donate here: Orchard Vale Trust – Things To Get Me (thingstogetus.com)

Stay in touch and get our monthly newsletter with updates on our news, events, day services, community enterprises and residential homes. You will also receive updates on vacancies, fundraising events and everything else you can join in with! Orchard Vale Trust – Mailing List

 

Trustee Rosie Parr’s Giving Story

Trustee Rosie Parr’s Giving Story

I became a trustee of OVT in 2016 and as someone with little previous experience of supporting adults with learning disabilities it has been a privilege for me in this volunteer role to find out more about the Trust and to assist with its work. 

As a lawyer who has specialised in advising charities, I have advised the Board on a range of governance matters and I’ve been on a few panels interviewing applicants for staff posts. I also worked with Liz our CEO on setting up the Trust’s social enterprise company to run projects such as the café in Yeovil and Stile Gardening, which have given our residents opportunities for work experience. 

I particularly enjoy the Board’s discussion of the Trust’s strategic plans and new projects, and the development of the community outreach activities at the Hive has been especially exciting. 

The pandemic has thrown up so many challenges for the Trust and at our monthly Board meetings (on Zoom) we have had to oversee the operation of the homes and ensure the safety of everyone living and working in them. I have been incredibly impressed by the way all the staff have adapted to the difficult restrictions, by their care and dedication in these circumstances, and the way they have supported and protected our residents.  

It is always great to read about the huge range of activities and outings provided for the care home residents and at the Hive, and it’s inspiring to see the happiness and fun at the homes – this is a real reward to all the trustees for our role in managing the Trust.  

Welcome Millie – Our New Trust Fundraiser

Welcome Millie – Our New Trust Fundraiser

“I’m so excited to be joining OVT as a Trust Fundraiser. I’ve previously worked in marketing, content writing and research, and I have always enjoyed being in positions that focus on creatively communicating with the world. For a long time, I’ve been searching for an opportunity where I can use my skills to make a truly valuable contribution to the world, and that’s why I’m delighted to be part of this team – the trust clearly has such a strong set of values at its core and is truly dedicated to taking care of both its clients and staff. 

My younger brother is autistic and has learning difficulties, while my mother has always worked with adults with learning disabilities. Watching my brother interact with the world has consistently motivated me to question many of the ways that society is arranged and the qualities it values. He is non-verbal, which can lead people to underestimate him and not take his views into consideration, but anyone who knows him knows that he always finds creative ways to communicate and assert himself. He’s also dynamite at solving puzzles and has an impeccable sense of direction (I can’t do a puzzle or remember a route to save my life). Every day, I am inspired by my mother’s passionate advocacy for people with learning disabilities, both in her professional and personal life. She has never seen anyone with a learning disability as ‘less-than’ because of it and she won’t allow anyone around her to either. 

Naturally, I feel like OVT is the perfect home for me, as I have an endless amount of respect for people with learning disabilities and those that support them. I also have first-hand experience of how both these groups of people can be neglected by wider society, which is why I know exactly how vital and special the work the trust does is. 

I can’t wait to get properly stuck into my role and be part of helping OVT, The Hive, and Stile Gardening to continue reaching new heights. I look forward to getting to know everyone that’s part of this beautiful and ever-growing community.”

Exclusive: Geoff on Art & Creativity

Exclusive: Geoff on Art & Creativity

For many people with a learning disability and their families, getting creative has been a way to stay connected and positive through the challenges of last year. Therefore, Learning Disability Week 2021 will celebrate that art and creativity! We To gain further insigh into the impact that art has had over he past year, we spoke to Geoff at the Hive about his passion.

Q: What got you interested in Art?

A: I big part of why I became an artist is because it’s what my Dad used to do. I loved looking at his artwork and one day I decided to try and copy it. I picked up lots of skills and techniques from him. More recently I have been watching Bob Ross, and I take a lot of inspiration from him for my art.

Q: How does art make you feel?

A: It makes me feel brilliant! I get to use a variety of colours and techniques to make creations I’m proud of. Art makes me feel creative and I have started taking pictures on my phone when I’m out and about which I can paint when I get home. It gives me confidence and I really enjoy seeing how proud my family and friends are.

Q: Has art helped you over the last year?

A: Art has helped me because it has given me something to focus on. I used to set myself challenges to draw different pictures each day. Through this I have seen myself progress which makes me feel great. I am always learning and there are so many different aspects of art that I would like to explore.

Q: Do you have any advice for people who would like to try art?

A: I would say to look at other peoples art to see what you like and what inspires you. All you need to start being creative is some paint and a piece of paper! If I was to teach someone I would let them find their own style first, before introducing more advanced techniques as we go. A good starting point is finding the favourite picture you have on your phone or around the house and painting it to find your style.

Orchard Vale Trust.
East Court, Doctors Hill, Wookey, Wells, Somerset. BA5 1AR.

Tel: 01749 671706

Email: info@orchardvaletrust.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 326940

Company No. 1946592