Impact Report 2015/2016 | Page 5

the child sI “If I didn’t have Acorn today” m a I re e h w e b ’t n ld u wo Ellie mum and llie is 13, lives with her ool. She also sisters and goes to sch lar dystrophy has a rare form of muscu wheelchair and that means she uses a the spine. has severe twisting of E ool. “I like Ellie takes the bus to sch says. “I want to maths and writing,” she er. I’m writing a be a writer when I’m old ment.” book at school at the mo r she would When Ellie was younge g to stay in. rarely go out, preferrin down her It’s then she would write says mum Kara. thoughts and feelings, for her,” she “Acorns has been great e at one time and said. “She was a reclus e goes up to wouldn’t go out. Now sh the park. know that she “She’s very strong. We and Ellie is aware could live into her 30s might outlive of that and even says ‘I everybody else’. nt of her but “I have kept strong in fro le of years after was in denial for a coup her diagnosis. know and we’re “There’s a lot we don’t y, but she’s never facing things day to da felt sorry for herself.” Black Country Ellie visits Acorns in the es part in for short breaks and tak designed activities deliberately nce and to increase her confide independence. d “I’m scared, nervous an re excited about the futu g because I’ll be leavin more home. I do want to be ow independent but I kn t.” it’ll be a lot differen I wouldn’t be “If I didn’t have Acorns Ellie. “I can meet where I am today,” said disabilities and other people who have a rest from it helps my mum to have looking after me.” uation with a Ellie reflects on her sit y condition is measured maturity. “M to it,” she says. normal, I just got used 5