Nurse Avril goes the extra mile so Jack can join his classmates on school trip
Eighteen year old Jack who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and attends Portesbery School in Deepcut was able to join his classmates on a summer term residential trip to High Ashurst, near Boxhill in Surrey thanks to Nurse Avril going the extra mile.
Avril Bembridge, Senior Specialist Nurse from Children and Family Health Surrey who is based at the school, volunteered to join the five day residential trip to ensure Jack received the overnight care he needed, and could join his classmates at High Ashurst.
Avril says: “I knew how much this trip would mean so wanted to find a way to make it happen. I feel so privileged that I was able to experience the residential with Jack and watch him enjoy himself so much first hand.
"Attending the trip wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the school, my line manager Jane Smith who collaborated with other health services and my amazing colleagues Nurse Aimee Clayson(who came up with the idea I should offer to go) and Health Care Assistant Elaine Penman (who pretty much worked on her own for two days that week)".
Jack was over the moon to be able to attend the trip with his classmates and had the opportunity to take part in archery, orienteering through woodlands, a trip to Box Hill where he loved the views and chocolate cake he enjoyed in the café as well as a canal trip and the excellent food provided at the High Ashurst residential centre.
Jack says: “I loved going away with my school friends. I loved the food especially the cooked breakfasts, packed lunches and the chocolate cake at the café!”
(Jack used his symbols on his electronic communicator to answer questions about what he liked best)
Jack’s parents say: “It was great for Jack to have a holiday with his school friends as he loves going out and about. The other best bit was for us was to get four full night’s sleep!”
Jack needs a ventilator overnight which requires trained staff. Avril, alongside an agency health care assistant, ensured overnight care was provided so that Jack could attend the residential.