National Best Friends Day

National Best Friends Day?

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Today we wanted to highlight a very special friendship that we have within our company. For over four years now Zsolt has been supporting Matthew.? During this time the two of them have formed a very close camaraderie.? It is amazing that as a company we have been able to facilitate this arrangement, with the same carer, for this extended period of time.? Having consistent care is very important and this case demonstrates why is? a best practice and should be the aim of care every time.?

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Matthew lives with Leigh Syndrome, this is described as being a severe neurological disorder that usually becomes apparent in the first year of life.? Leigh syndrome is characterized by the progressive loss of both mental abilities and movement.? Change in muscle tone causes issues with mobility, swallowing, hand function, severe muscle spasms and seizures.? A typical person diagnosed with Leigh syndrome also has difficulties with cognitive abilities, sight and hearing.? The usual devastating prognosis is death within a few years, typically due to difficulties breathing and ultimately respiratory failure.? Leigh syndrome affects around 1 in 40 000 new-borns.???

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Matthew is a walking miracle.? It is difficult to say why or how Matthew has outlived his life expectancy and he has been told that he may be the oldest living person with this rare disease.? But Matthew isn’t simply living with this disease he is thriving.? This is something Zsolt and everyone at Care More are completely privileged to witness and support with.? Matthew is very independent and despite his condition he is extremely determined and looks after himself.? Zsolt and the Care More Team simply support with shopping trips and some escorted outings.???

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Matthew says he really enjoys his visits from Zsolt, he sees him as a friend and someone he can trust and talk to man to man, whilst still being able to have a laugh and a joke.? Similarly, Zsolt says that he loves visiting Matthew and says he is ‘The Best”?

Zsolt and Matthew have been known to go and spectate at football matches together and bond over the highs and lows of the season.? Something they hope to continue next year.???

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In another coincidence, another member of the Care More Team has a bond with Matthew.? Matthew was taught English at a local school by teacher Mr Daniel Hatley.? Daniel’s mum Pam is a field-based trainer at Care More.? Daniel was full of respect and pride when remembering Matthew’s time at school.? He remembers when Matthew was confined to a wheelchair for a period of about a year, but with his usual sheer determination and achievement, Matthew taught himself to walk again.? Daniel was delighted to remember and reminisce about their shared experience.?

Matthew is now encouraged to continue walking by another of his best friends.? This time in canine form.? Frank is Matthew’s pet pug who helps him maintain mobility and confidence as he required regular walks.???

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We are simply delighted to be able to offer ongoing support to such a remarkable man, and on Best Friends Day, we can all appreciate the great friendship between Zsolt and Matthew. Something that will, no doubt, continue for some time yet to come.? True friendship is everything.?

Written for Care More by K Patel