A special shout-out to all the mums in our network this Mother’s Day – we appreciate you today and every day.
Being a mum can be rewarding. But it can also be demanding, frustrating, emotionally challenging and thankless. We know this because, at the Motability Foundation, we speak to mums on the phone every day. We see you and you are appreciated.
It’s not easy when you have a child with a disability; the world is not always set up to support you. But mums like Crystal, here, tell us that having access to a strong support network really makes a difference.
When Crystal gave birth at 29 weeks, her daughter Boronica started life in an incubator. Tests later revealed she had spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, and it was unlikely she would be able to walk or talk.
Crystal says, being prepared for the worst, meant they could plan and prepare the support her daughter would need as she grew up.
“Bori is now five and has surpassed many medical expectations. Although her speech is limited and she cannot stand or take steps on her own, she can sit unaided for a long time. We have worked very hard with her physiotherapy unit to achieve this, and, with continued hard work, we hope she will be able to walk with a walking aid in future.”
Crystal says she could not do it without the help of her own mum, Boronica’s grandmother.
"Having my mum so involved in Boronica's care gives me strength. Raising a child with complex needs can feel overwhelming at times but knowing I have someone who truly understands her physical needs and routines eases that weight.
“Being able to travel to her regularly means we're not isolated. It keeps our family close and ensures Boronica and her brother benefit from that wider circle of support.”
