Claire Hudson has been attending Smithers since she was 8 years old. She visits during the day and also stays overnight and for weekends and holidays.

Pat Hudson, Claire’s mum says: 'Claire always likes to be a part of what is going on, which is why Smithers is so fantastic. The staff make sure each child gets involved in a variety of activities that they like to do.'

'Claire is a typical teenager - she doesn’t like getting up in the morning and likes staying up late! She loves listening to music and watching TV. Although Claire can’t walk or talk, she communicates through facial expressions and makes it very clear how she is feeling.'

Pat continues: 'We get so much great feedback from the staff about how Claire is doing. They also often give us photos of Claire enjoying herself at Smithers. The communication is always really open, which I really appreciate. I know I can contact them at any time, the same way they know they can also contact me.'

'As well as Smithers being somewhere that Claire looks forward to going to, it has allowed the rest of our family to have some time together where we can go out and enjoy activities and outings that we wouldn’t have been able to do had Claire been with us. I have two other children and although they are all grown up now, the time that I have when Claire is at Smithers is still so valuable, meaning I can get on with simple chores or just take a moment for myself to relax, knowing that she is being well looked after.'

'Smithers has provided us with a lifeline that I cannot imagine living without. By having access to this service means I am less crabby and in a way it helps me not to resent Claire but to appreciate her.'