Patrick's journey to better health and independence

We are reaching out to the community to support my brother, Patrick Smyth, who is facing a series of significant challenges that have impacted his ability to navigate daily life.

As many of us know all too well, life has a way of presenting challenges when we least expect them, testing even the strongest among us.

Patrick is undoubtedly a strong and fiercely independent person in every way possible. However, it's essential to recognize and understand when support is necessary—particularly when it comes to one's medical, physical, and mental well-being.

Many of you know Patrick as a kind, sociable, and dedicated person who loves socialising and walking his guide dogs around Wimborne, although he is known for his speedy pace, so you’ll have to catch him first! From our family conversations, it is inherently clear that he genuinely enjoys connecting with the people he encounters during his walks, and we know he looks forward to these friendly chats while running errands in the area. In fact, it’s often the chance encounters and conversations that inspire him to go on these walks and engage with the community. As well as, of course, exercising his pride and joy Yogi, his committed and dedicated guide dog.

Over the past year, Patrick has faced numerous obstacles including the breakdown of his marriage something he sadly did not want, the imminent loss of his home, the loss of his garden for both dogs and his workshop as well as the much needed immediate neighbourhood support. These factors along with his physical health hurdles making every day tasks for him incredibly difficult.

In addition to being completely blind, Patrick also manages Type 1 diabetes, which has compounded the struggles he faces daily. Life has become overwhelming, to say the least, and we are doing everything we can to help him regain some independence and comfort. Whilst also ensuring he is healthy and positive. Although we are doing everything we can, there comes a point where financial constraints limit our ability to provide the necessary support, making it incredibly challenging.

As a family, we’ve been brainstorming ways to support Patrick through these challenges and ensure that he can continue to live as independently as possible. While the past year has dimmed his spark, we firmly believe that with the support of his community and loved ones, Patrick’s passion for life can be reignited.

Our goal is to raise funds that will allow us to create a more secure and rewarding life for Patrick and his vital dogs.

We are confident that with additional financial support, we can help him regain a sense of independence , physical and positive wellbeing. The reason we’ve turned to crowdfunding is because of how deeply Patrick values and believes in his community here in Wimborne—a community that he’s been a vital part of for years.

The funds raised will go directly towards addressing Patrick’s specific needs helping him afford essential facilities up until he can claim a pension in 3 years time. We are in a very challenging political time where health and social services are greatly stretched and unable to deliver bespoke care and the financial limitations for Patrick are never ending and forever changing!

Patrick’s needs include but certainly are not limited to:

Practical personal medical support: Tailored assistance to help with daily needs for Patrick’s blindness , diabetes and arthritis including access to hospital appointments with the aid of a much needed Personal

Assistant (P.A.)

Technology and resources:

Providing the tools and equipment specifically designed for those with total blindness including Broadband enabling

-Access to TV and much loved music

-Alexa ( Patrick has a very enquiring mind and a thirst for knowledge, he loves a good debate and being enabled to learn)

-Vital mobile phone updates that enable his Libre Link 24 hour blood sugar sensor to guide him regarding 24 hour insulin requirements .

-Ring Door Bell for home security

—Talking Books(RNIB), Audible and Easy Reader

-Care Line 24 hour system enabling access to emergency services

Assistance with daily tasks:

Allocated Personal Assistant (P.A.)hours to help with retired guide dog walking, house cleaning, cooking, shopping, and, most importantly, providing companionship and networking with local clubs and organisations in his community to reduce social isolation and loneliness .

Dog Toileting Facility:

Fenced in outdoor dog toileting space with drainage that Patrick can hose down with ease to maintain appropriate hygiene.

Man Shed:

Research proves the importance of hobbies and safe space where we can be creative and build self worth.

Patrick would love to keep his own and his father’s carpentry tools and continue to create his woodwork wonders within a beloved shed.

This is also an essential space for dog food storage and dog grooming.

Despite all Patrick's life challenges he admirably remains positive about finding a new companion and starting afresh within his wonderful community .

We will provide a breakdown of how the funds will be allocated, so everyone can see how their generous contributions are being used to support Patrick.

We are incredibly grateful for any form of support, whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this campaign with others. Patrick is a beloved part of the Wimborne community, and we know that with the help of those who care about him, we can bring back his spark and make life a little easier for him and his four-legged companions.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.