I Have Muscular Dystrophy: Help Me Move Out
Donation protected
I’m Cal and I have Duchenne muscular dystrophy. This means my muscles become weaker with time. I lost the ability to walk at nine, feed myself at 17 and breathe without help at 21. I can’t move my arms and legs, but with my powerchair, adapted van and team of PAs, I’m as independent as anyone else.
Why do I want to move out?
I want to move out of my parents’ home because it’s an opportunity for personal growth I haven’t experienced. I stayed at home during my university studies when, for many young people, this is a time of freedom from parental oversight, opening the door to self-discovery and new experiences. Sometimes, I feel like I missed out on an important aspect of life. At 27 years old, living in my parents’ home is stifling my independence and self-confidence. Moving out will enable me to explore all the possibilities that life has to offer and maintain a healthy relationship with my family. My own space isn’t just somewhere to live, but an environment that supports me in pursuing my dreams.
Why do I need to raise £40,000?
I need a wheelchair-accessible home with a bathroom that can be adapted to my needs and a second bedroom for my PA to support me overnight. Disability benefit is my only source of income and I can’t get a mortgage large enough to buy a suitable home in Edinburgh. Moving out of the city (where property prices are lower) isn’t an option for me because it would mean leaving behind the family, friends and PAs I depend on. A £40,000 deposit would make up for the small mortgage while allowing me to dedicate my savings to converting the bathroom to a wet room.
What is my ambition for the future?
I want to explore my idea for a social enterprise that provides low-cost, eco-friendly housing to disabled people. My idea isn’t fully formed, but it involves prefabricated, modular housing, powered by solar panels and wind turbines. Beyond the obvious benefits for the climate, residents would not be dependent on private companies for their energy needs. I believe disabled people have a right to accessible housing that is both affordable and good for the environment. As soon as I move out, I will set to work on this project.
What can you do to #HelpCalMoveOut?
Please donate what you can to #HelpCalMoveOut. All donations, big or small, bring me closer to my funding goal. But donating is not is the only thing you can do to help. Sharing on social media is a great way to broadcast my story to potential donors. Want to keep up to date on my progress? Follow me on Twitter or Instagram @calumgrevers.
Why do I want to move out?
I want to move out of my parents’ home because it’s an opportunity for personal growth I haven’t experienced. I stayed at home during my university studies when, for many young people, this is a time of freedom from parental oversight, opening the door to self-discovery and new experiences. Sometimes, I feel like I missed out on an important aspect of life. At 27 years old, living in my parents’ home is stifling my independence and self-confidence. Moving out will enable me to explore all the possibilities that life has to offer and maintain a healthy relationship with my family. My own space isn’t just somewhere to live, but an environment that supports me in pursuing my dreams.
Why do I need to raise £40,000?
I need a wheelchair-accessible home with a bathroom that can be adapted to my needs and a second bedroom for my PA to support me overnight. Disability benefit is my only source of income and I can’t get a mortgage large enough to buy a suitable home in Edinburgh. Moving out of the city (where property prices are lower) isn’t an option for me because it would mean leaving behind the family, friends and PAs I depend on. A £40,000 deposit would make up for the small mortgage while allowing me to dedicate my savings to converting the bathroom to a wet room.
What is my ambition for the future?
I want to explore my idea for a social enterprise that provides low-cost, eco-friendly housing to disabled people. My idea isn’t fully formed, but it involves prefabricated, modular housing, powered by solar panels and wind turbines. Beyond the obvious benefits for the climate, residents would not be dependent on private companies for their energy needs. I believe disabled people have a right to accessible housing that is both affordable and good for the environment. As soon as I move out, I will set to work on this project.
What can you do to #HelpCalMoveOut?
Please donate what you can to #HelpCalMoveOut. All donations, big or small, bring me closer to my funding goal. But donating is not is the only thing you can do to help. Sharing on social media is a great way to broadcast my story to potential donors. Want to keep up to date on my progress? Follow me on Twitter or Instagram @calumgrevers.
Organizer
Calum Grevers
Organizer