Build an adapted home for Gary with Lets For Life

Hello, my name is Serene Crutchley, big sister to Gary Crutchley. I just want to let you all know Gary's build is going up fast now. Thanks to each and every person that has donated so far and the volunteering work that has been offered. We will have our very own DIY SOS grand opening of Gary's home at the end of this journey.

About Gary before he had a stroke

Gary Crutchley was an active outgoing personality, that enjoyed and lived life to the max, wild camping, walking, cycling, he was the life and so soul of any event, worked hard, and had just started a new job, that he worked hard to get. He was a loving, son, brother and dad to Ellie, with a large network of amazing friends.

What happened to change his life

Gary's life changed in Oct 20 at the age of 41, when he suffered a life-changing stroke. The consultants and surgeons did everything to save his life, however there were complications. Gary underwent lifesaving surgery to the brain and was put into an induced coma, the outcome was unknown and a very worrying time for family and friends. The strong man that he is, he came through and has undergone further surgery to rebuild his skull.

After the stroke

Gary is now impaired with both physical and cognitive restrictions that have changed his life immensely. He has endured over 2 years of hospitalisation and brain rehabilitation, learning life skills we take for granted, with the help of Speech & Language, Occupational Therapy & Physiotherapy.

The Future

Gary has "technically" been discharged from the brain rehabilitation unit where he resides into "a new life" with as much independence as he can get. However, social housing is a huge problem. There is a lack of disabled living in the UK, especially for young disabled people that want to live an independent "assisted" life rather than a life within a care facility. He has been offered care-homes, but that would be stripping him of his rights to independence. What he requires is a home suitable for a disabled person. He has years of living life "albeit very different to before stroke" Gary has not lost his memories, nor his outgoing personality. He will remain in the "medical unit" until he has a suitable home built. Not ideal as it removes a medical flat/bed for other brain injured individuals. That is the harsh reality of the housing crisis.

So, what happens next?

We as a family & friends of Gary, are building him a home, adapted to his needs within the Stockport area where he has lived all his life, where he will be surrounded by those that love him and he will be living where he deserves to live, in his hometown.

How can you help?

This is where I ask for help from friends, friends of friends, family and the public far & wide to assist in raising funds towards a build suitable for my brother. We are not receiving any Government help and with a realistic wait of 7 years for a social disabled adapted home, donations from friends, relatives and family has been our saviour to get this home built.

Proposed build.

We have planning permission to convert a building to the requirements of a disabled person, within the village he was born, close to friends & family. We have help and guidance from Local Government commissioners and a fabulous charity that specialise in homes for the disabled "Lets for Life", what we don't have is Goverment funds. Donations don't need to be monetary, offers of labour, building supplies, manpower are just as helpful.

Media Exposure

We have had media coverage, online news, Manchester Evening news, Daily Mirror, the Big issue did a write up. We have made our debut TV appearance and have made some fabulous contacts along the way.

Thank you

Serene Crutchley

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