A MAN, who is raising money for a special facility that supports those with complex needs in Broadwoodwidger, will be embarking on a cycling challenge, from Calais to Rome.

Adam Hosgood lives with complex autism, and is a resident at West Banbury Cottages situated at the edge of Broadwoodwidger, offering accommodation to people with learning disabilities and associated complex needs.

Adam was born on December 9, 1995, and was described as a ‘happy baby’ by his mother, Kim Goodier, who explained that he was smiling at six weeks, laughing at three months, and walking at nine months.

It was when Adam was 16 months old that things changed, after he received his MMR jab. Having developed a rash and severe cold, Kim was awoken one night to find Adam lying in his cot, his eyes open and rolling back into his head, gulping for air, frothing at the mouth and turning blue.

Kim explained that she felt ‘a complete and utter sense of uselessness’, and was told that her son was suffering a febrile convulsion and that an ambulance was on its way.

Adam ‘changed’ after this incident. He avoided eye contact and stopped listening to things happening around him. He would play on his own and not interact with others at the parent and toddler group, becoming serious and introverted.

A multitude of stimulation was putting Adam into overload; the lighting hurt his head, the people and noise around him were too much, and he was out of his comfort zone.

It was when Adam suffered another seizure at Paignton Zoo that he was diagnosed with epilepsy, and just before he turned three, his assessment approached, where it was confirmed he was autistic. Adam displayed multiple tendencies of autism — little communication, avoiding eye contact, being unable to relate to others, and more.

Kim said: “Today Adam is a strapping 22-year-old man, but still faces daily challenges with his complex needs and learning difficulties. He lives in a residential home, West Banbury Cottages, where they support and encourage him to lead a full and active life.

“Adam is just one of 13 who reside there and each resident has their own story, their own challenges and needs, and lost childhood going through diagnosis to education to residential placements and illness.”

A group was formed recently, consisting of parents, friends and family, who were determined to raise money for the residents to offer them opportunities they would not normally receive in a care setting. This can include holidays, trips and specialised equipment.

Kim continued: “It’s been a tough road — tears shed and mental states thwarted, but this has given me the drive and passion to fundraise for equipment for WBC. Government funding is limited and always being reduced, so what we as a community can raise goes a long way to enhance their environment and experiences.”

Adam’s older brother, James, is now embarking on a challenge that will see him cycle approximately 1,100 miles from Calais, France, to Rome, Italy, in an aim to fundraise for some specialist equipment for the residency and support his brother. He will cross France, Switzerland and half of Italy over a three-week period.

The money raised will be used to purchase a ‘jumping pillow’, which is an air-filled bouncing pillow that offers fun and exercise whilst being safe.

James said: “I’m feeling very excited about my upcoming trip — I’m looking at it as a massive adventure! I feel prepared; I have been training hard over the last six to eight months.

“Obviously the cause I’m raising for is very close to my heart, as my brother is a resident at the home. Adam hasn’t been able to live at home due to his additional needs, but it is reassuring to know that the home he is in enables him to achieve his dreams.

“By raising money for West Banbury Cottages, I am helping to contribute towards bringing more opportunities and experiences to the residents living there. With Adam based away from home, I want to do anything and everything to ensure he has the best opportunities in life.”

The Friends of West Banbury have already raised over £2,500 in total for the charity, mainly through raffles and donations, but still has a long way to go to reach their £15,000 target.

Kim added: “We are so proud of James’ campaign and the work he is putting into this to raise money for the benefit of others. His training consists of cycling to work from Broadclyst to Sidmouth and back every day and at weekends he will be out all day, come rain or shine, cycling all over Devon, taking in over 70 miles a day.”

To donate or sponsor James, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/james-hosgood.

To find out more information about West Banbury Cottages, visit www.facebook.com/FriendsofWestBanbury or www.bornelcare.co.uk