By CHD Living
At CHD Living, we believe that care should never be confined to the home – it should open doors, create joy and enable people to live fully, on their terms.
That’s why we were so proud to support one of our Care at Home clients, John Lawas, as he celebrated his 25th birthday in Paris – his first trip abroad since sustaining a life-changing brain injury ten years ago.
John has been on an extraordinary journey with us.
Following a serious road traffic accident in his teens, he was left with a complex brain injury. At one stage, he was PEG-fed and unable to walk.
But through his sheer determination, consistent care, and a highly personalised support plan from our Complex Care team, John has made incredible progress.
Today, he enjoys level six meals, communicates confidently and continues to build strength and independence every day.
When John told us his dream was to see the Eiffel Tower, we didn’t hesitate to help make it happen.
Together with his dedicated 24-hour care team, we planned every detail of a week-long trip to France – from accessible accommodation to medical logistics and daily routines.
The journey began via the Eurotunnel and included meaningful stops across Normandy: Omaha Beach, Mont Saint-Michel, Disneyland Paris and, of course, Paris itself.
On 24 June, we watched with pride as John was photographed in front of the Eiffel Tower, birthday balloon in hand, beaming with joy.
In his own words: “Watching the city lights from up there, surrounded by a completely new environment and atmosphere, felt absolutely surreal.
“It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime moment.”
Throughout the week, John explored historical sites, embraced French culture, and relived childhood magic at Disneyland. Every experience was designed around his needs – and his goals.
That’s what complex care at CHD Living is all about: not just meeting clinical needs, but helping people thrive.
This wasn’t John’s first adventure with us.
Over the years, we’ve supported him on holidays across the UK – from Cornwall to Butlins – each one building confidence for the next. Paris was the natural next step.
His package of care is delivered through our specialist Complex Care team, part of CHD Living’s Care at Home service.
With two carers by his side at all times and a nurse-led plan in place, John receives round-the-clock support tailored entirely to him.
For us, person-centred care means more than ticking boxes – it means creating space for life, laughter and milestones.
Nicole Fitzsimons, our Group Branch Manager, summed it up beautifully: “Supporting someone to live their life in full – to travel, to explore, to feel joy – is what great care is all about.
“For John, this trip wasn’t just a holiday. It was a celebration of how far he has come and the life he is building, on his terms.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the team who supported him, and of John for continuing to inspire us every day.”
We’re honoured to walk this journey with John and proud to offer a level of complex care that truly transforms lives.
As a family-run organisation with more than 40 years of experience, we know that real care goes beyond routine – it’s about opportunity, dignity and creating happiness daily.
And we can’t wait to see where John goes next.
Learn more about CHD Living at chdliving.co.uk
