A heartwarming story from Birmingham highlights the profound impact a local charity has had on transforming the life of a woman with quadriplegia, while also inspiring her sister to find her own vocation. Sarah Lilly has spoken openly about how Cerebral Palsy Midlands (CPM) has revolutionised her sister Vicky Lilly's daily existence, granting her newfound independence and a vibrant social life.
A New Chapter of Independence
Sarah, aged 44 and also from Birmingham, explained that her 40-year-old sister Vicky began attending the day service at CPM and quickly discovered a renewed sense of self-assurance and autonomy. "When Vicky first started coming to CPM she was living with my mum, who had also developed a disability from her years of care," Sarah recalled. The charity's advocacy service proved instrumental, assisting Vicky in moving into supported living accommodation, a change that has benefited the entire family immensely.
"Vicky now has her own independent life and her own mobility vehicle," Sarah said with evident pride. "She has the care and facilities to go out when she wants, and she's living the best version of her life. That's thanks to CPM." Established in 1947, CPM supports individuals with complex needs in the Harborne area of Birmingham, striving to help them live life to the fullest with services that extend beyond traditional adult day care.
Family Advocacy and Personal Fulfilment
Reflecting on her family's journey, Sarah described the immense pressures faced by her mother as the primary carer, alongside the continual struggle for funding, adaptations, and assessments. "It feels like an ongoing battle," she admitted. However, CPM provided crucial guidance and advocacy, helping the family navigate the next stages of their lives. "It had a huge impact," Sarah emphasised.
Witnessing the positive change in Vicky, who is supported by carers in her own home and attends the day service four times weekly, Sarah felt compelled to join the charity's mission. A decade ago, she applied for a role in CPM's marketing department, a decision that has brought her profound personal satisfaction. "I feel like I've found my calling and my place. It's like one big family," she shared. "I genuinely felt I could help CPM in a way that meant something, and since then I've never left because it's a community of my sister and her friends."
Now serving as deputy manager, Sarah finds her work deeply rewarding, especially when she sees the direct impact of fundraising efforts, such as purchasing a new minibus, on the individuals CPM supports.
Building Community and Combating Isolation
Sarah spoke fondly of her bond with Vicky, describing her sister as "the light of my life." Despite Vicky's speech and language barriers, she can communicate the immense value CPM holds for her. "At CPM she feels comfortable with her own community and friends," Sarah noted.
She highlighted a critical issue facing many individuals with complex needs after they finish specialist education: the risk of isolation at home. "They often end up stuck at home, feeling isolated and thinking 'how do I go out into the community and meet friends?'" Sarah explained. "A day service like the one here has a massive impact."
Accessible Activities and Vital Funding
CPM's accessible community centre in Harborne hosts a diverse array of daily activities, including pottery groups, musical productions, wheelchair dance, and virtual gaming. Participants also enjoy opportunities for holidays, swimming, horse riding, and various outings, all of which would be difficult to access without the charity's support.
To fund these vital services, CPM has recently become a registered cause on the easyfundraising platform. Supporters who sign up and select CPM as their cause can generate donations from retailers like M&S and Just Eat through their everyday online shopping, at no extra cost. In October, the charity won £500 in easyfundraising's eBay Big Giveaway competition, funds dedicated to helping those they support create lasting memories and friendships.
"Some of the people we support are very isolated, and that's why it's so important we run events for them," Sarah stated. Beyond on-site activities, CPM assists with community access, supporting shopping trips, GP appointments, meals out, day trips, and even organising weekend holidays for small groups. To date, the charity has raised over £700 through the easyfundraising initiative.
This inspiring narrative from Birmingham underscores the transformative power of dedicated community support, enabling individuals like Vicky to lead fulfilling, independent lives while fostering a strong sense of belonging and purpose.
