Revitalise, a national charity which organises respite holidays for disabled people and their carers, has received a £2,500 boost from the Shanly Foundation to help those living in Buckinghamshire.
The charity provides 24-hour nursing care to those with disabilities during their time away, allowing their carers to enjoy a real break. Revitalise organises trips to stately homes, London and activities such as ice skating to ensure that those in need of extra support can enjoy the same activities and opportunities as others.  
Andrea Mills, Trust and Foundations Manager of Revitalise, commented: “We like to push boundaries by doing different types of activities with those in need of support and the carers. There are so many barriers out there for the disabled and their carers, that’s why we want to give them the respite they need, but not in the traditional providing care at home sense.”
Speaking of the importance of the Shanly Foundation’s continued support, Revitalise CEO Chris Simmonds added: “We are very grateful to the Shanly Foundation for their continued support over 13 years which enable us to give such great experiences to our guests who come from Buckinghamshire. It is thanks to their generosity that we are able to provide enjoyable and relaxing holidays, something we know our guests greatly appreciate.”
Case study: James and Kathy
Kathy, 76, cares for her husband James, 80, who had a stroke three years ago which left him with brain damage.  Kathy is his main carer but has health issues of her own having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. 
Speaking before their break Kathy said: “James needs a lot of physical care and some mental support.  I never get a break even when I’m unwell as I’m always ‘on duty’.  Due to my health we don’t go out as much as we use to, this really frustrates James as he was a very social man before his stroke.
“Our break enabled James to talk with new people and to go out and about, giving him something to look forward to and talk about when he got home.  The break was invaluable for me, enabling me to have the rest I really needed knowing that James was in good hands.”