New home is "the best birthday present ever"

A MUM and her disabled adult son are among two families to benefit from Broadacres’ decision to convert an under-used community centre into two new affordable homes.

Alyson Evans and her son Gareth recently moved into their new home at Hollygarth, Great Ayton, following an investment of £160,000 by Broadacres to redevelop the community centre into two, two-bedroom flats.
Both flats were allocated to people with a local connection to the area.

In Alyson’s case, it meant she could move from her previous home in Stokesley to be closer to her parents – so close they now live across the road from each other.

This means Alyson, who works full-time as a nurse, has added peace of mind that Gareth can be supported by his grand-parents when she is at work.

Gareth received treatment for leukaemia when he was only two-years-old, and this left him with a neurological impairment. He also has scoliosis of the spine which means he needs a wheelchair to get around.

Alyson and Gareth’s flat has been specially adapted to meet his needs and they say they couldn’t be happier in their new home.

Alyson says: “Our previous home was not very suitable for Gareth, so we put our names on Broadacres’ waiting list hoping we would get a home that would be more suitable.

“When we discovered we were being given a home at Hollygarth, it was like a dream come true.

“Everything is on one level, there’s a shower/wet room which makes it easier for Gareth and there’s lots of space for his wheelchair.

“Being so near to my mum and dad is also amazing because whilst Gareth is very independent, it’s good to know they are close by if he needs any support.”

Gareth is just about celebrate his 30th birthday and describes his new home as the “best present ever”.

Andy Powell, Broadacres’ Customer Services Director, said: “The community centre at Hollygarth was under-used so, after consultation with residents, we decided the best option was to convert them into affordable homes for people with a local connection to the area.

“We are delighted that Alyson and Gareth like their new home and wish them happiness for the future.”