Hannah announces her Engagement

Hannah announced some very happy news recently. She has become engaged to Tim and they are moving into their own home together.

Hannah joined Dame Hannahs in February 2016 and has been living in Marchesi bungalow 52 weeks a year ever since. She is quadriplegic with cerebral palsy and is a full time wheelchair user. Her move to Dame Hannahs transformed her life opening up so many opportunities and enabling her to get involved in a wide variety of projects and activities as well as establishing good friendships. She speaks clearly and eloquently and particularly enjoys hosting her own radio show and being involved in the organisation of the Funky Llama Festival and activities in Plymouth. She has also given some excellent talks at a number of fundraising events over the years.

A couple of years ago Hannah met Tim and they started a relationship. They have been able to meet up regularly and the staff have enabled her to be more independent. They escort her to get-togethers and are able to leave her for a few hours before ensuring that she gets back to Dame Hannahs safely. They are now looking forward to thier new life together.

Hannah talked to us recently about her life at Dame Hannahs:
“I am now 32 years old. For the last seven years since March 2016 I have been working with the Funky Llama project within the Theatre Royal Plymouth and am a member of their steering group. We hold annual events every year, including a one-day festival as well as regular social events for our members group. I will be stepping down from this in the New Year but have really enjoyed being involved.
I also run my own radio show which I have been doing since 2018. I record it in the studio at CEDA in Exeter once a fortnight. It’s a great way to showcase all my community work and let everybody know what I have been up to. This is one of my favourite activities to participate in. As it is my dream career, I pride myself on playing good music and being able to give facts about the artist who I play. That seems to be my trademark. I also love having the freedom to talk about other things that interest me and that are current such as World Chocolate Day or Wimbledon.
During the Covid pandemic I rediscovered my love of art and found it a great form of escapism. I also really enjoy reading and listening to audiobooks. My favourite genre is autobiography and biography. I have always enjoyed my sport particularly tennis and I love to get out and about on trips.
Whatever the circumstances I am very strict with myself about keeping up with my therapies to maintain my fitness and keep my mind active. This includes standing in my frame and using an electric cycling machine called a Thera Trainer. I also really cherish my sessions in the hydrotherapy pool and make the most of them. I treat the session as a workout and do a lot of work on my muscles. The warm water gives me a real feeling of freedom and I feel so much better afterwards.
I have been very happy at Dame Hannahs and am really thankful for all the opportunities it has given me and the amazing care that I have received. I am now looking forward to the next stage in my life.”