A spirited teenager celebrated his long-term relationship with East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) by opening the charity’s new shop in Aylsham today.
Jayden Everitt and carer Linda cut the ribbon earlier this morning as the Market Street premises officially opened for business – becoming EACH’s 58th shop across the region and 22nd in Norfolk.
The pair were invited to do the honours as Jayden, now 18 and having recently transitioned into adult services, started receiving care as a baby. He has a rare condition affecting brain development called semi-lobar holoprosencephaly.
He initially received respite care at EACH’s former Norfolk hospice at Quidenham, and then, after starting school, members of the care team travelled out to the family home in Cromer.
In more recent years, the family continued their relationship with EACH, attending events together at The Nook, before Jayden transitioned into adult services in May.
The ribbon-cutting therefore represented a golden opportunity to celebrate a relationship that has spanned almost his entire life.
“We were so pleased to be asked,” said Linda.
“It was a real privilege, given our history and connection with EACH.
“It’s been such a massive part of Jayden’s life, ever since he was a baby and we used to go to Quidenham.
“Having that support has made such a difference, especially in the early days when we needed extra help.
“The care team have always been amazing, and they’ve helped him become the person he is today.
“They taught him things and used to do things with him that I couldn’t necessarily do at home.”
Linda and husband Steve began fostering Jayden when he was nine months old and cared for him until he was ten, when they became legal guardians under a Special Guardianship Order.
“EACH has helped us so much, and, in addition to the care team, we’ve met so many other lovely people and families,” she added.
“It’s been so helpful, and we’ve created a network with other families living in the area.
“Without EACH, life would have been very different and a much lonelier experience.
“It would have been much harder, and I don’t know where we’d have been without it.
“It’s the physical support but also the reassurance – knowing there are people to fall back on and support you when you need picking up again.
“It’s meant so much, knowing they’re only a phone call away, and I consider the team there to be like extended family.”
Located in a former TSB Bank, EACH’s new Aylsham shop joins others in nearby North Walsham, Holt, Cromer, Sheringham, Fakenham and Wroxham.
It will be managed by Charlie Notley, supported by Sales Supervisor Caroline Shaw.
Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to pop in, meet the team and find out more about the opportunities available.
Pictures: Karen Self/EACH
