Summer Appeal

Be more Kate – aim for the stars

I’m Nick, Chair of Trustees, I regularly hear how this wonderful charity transforms lives. I am pleased to share with you Kate’s remarkable journey.

It is a story of growing confidence, increasing independence and the incredible things a young person with complex disabilities can achieve at National Star. With your support we can ensure more young people like Kate can access life-changing opportunities through National Star’s specialist services.

I would like to introduce you to Kate and her parents, Jenni and David.

Mum, Jenni
Kate and Phoebe were born at 24 weeks. Kate, who has cerebral palsy, weighed just 572g. Phoebe’s needs were more complex. We had some difficult times as the girls were growing up.

At age 15, Kate needed urgent surgery and missed a lot of school. When she turned 18, we were keen for Kate to go on to college to improve her independence.

Kate has always loved designing and making things and we wanted to nurture that creativity and passion. We thought a specialist college would be able to provide the support Kate needed and help her prepare for life as an adult. That’s how we found National Star. Kate was drawn to how physiotherapy was integrated into college life and we felt National Star would provide her with the right care and support. We were all thrilled when she was offered a place.

Kate
I love being a residential student at National Star. My confidence has grown so much. I never liked asking for things or speaking up. Now, I question things and make suggestions. I share a flat with my friend Ella who is also a student here. We love going into town and cooking. I have gained many skills whilst doing work experience in the StarBistro and StarPrint, both of which are social enterprises at National Star.

Earlier this year I decided to apply for a work placement with Mira Showers in Cheltenham. Even though Mira Showers had never offered a placement to a National Star student before, I was determined. Mira Showers gave me a challenge and I succeeded. I am now working on a project to build a fully accessible shower so people like me can shower as independently as possible and I am really enjoying it.

I was part of a group of students who worked with Gloucestershire Highways to make the paths around our residence and nearby park accessible and safer not only for me and my friends, but for people with buggies and those who may be unsteady on their feet.

Dad, David
‘Kate has blossomed since coming to National Star. She recently went to London with fellow student Tom. They wanted to see both parts of the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and stay in a hotel. I told Kate that I doubted she could do it all, but she wasn’t going to be swayed. They had an amazing time and proved me wrong.’

‘Before coming to National Star, we had many exhausting hurdles to overcome. Now life is calmer and we can get on with our own lives, knowing both girls are well supported in their tailored settings. Phoebe has also settled into long-term living, about an hour’s drive from our home. It means we can get together as a family and make memories.’

‘Life after college looks exciting for Kate. Using the skills she has gained at National Star she has secured a supported internship with Finding Futures in Bath and will be dividing her time between the Royal United Hospital and the University of Bath. We are hoping she will move into supported living so that she can carry on living independently as she has done at college.’

Jenni and I are so proud of the confident, independent and ambitious young woman Kate has become. We are very grateful to everyone at National Star for the life-changing time she has had.

Please donate today so more young people like Kate can access those vital opportunities that help build confidence and independence and go on to have fulfilling lives.