Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, but when your child has special needs, it brings challenges you never expect. For me, it’s been a journey of ups and downs, full of tough moments but also amazing lessons and love.
When my daughter was diagnosed with special needs, it felt like everything changed. Simple things, like finding childcare or clubs for her, was impossible. I realised how little support there was for families like ours. There were no holiday clubs or after-school activities that could meet her needs, and it left me feeling stuck and alone.
At the time, I was a teacher and loved my job, but my daughter needed me more. I had to leave work and become her full-time carer, and that was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. It hurt to leave a career I worked so hard for, but my child came first. Even though I was doing what was best for her, it left me wondering why there wasn’t more support out there for parents like me.
That’s when I decided to make a change. With help from a good friend and support from my daughter’s school, I started working on a plan. My idea was simple: to create a safe, fun space where children with special needs could play and learn, and where their families could feel supported too. That’s how Our Special Angels was born.
Our Special Angels is now a place where parents like me don’t feel so alone. We run holiday clubs, after-school programs, and activities designed for children with all kinds of needs. We make sure the kids are cared for with enough staff, personal support, and activities they love. Now, we look after more than 50 children during the school holidays, including those who need extra medical care.
It hasn’t been an easy journey. There were times I felt like giving up, especially when money was tight or things seemed impossible. But every time I see a child smiling at one of our clubs or hear a parent tell me they feel less alone, it reminds me why I started this in the first place.
My story isn’t just about my daughter or my family—it’s about building something that makes a difference for others. I’ve learned that even when things are hard, you can find a way forward. My daughter inspires me every day, and thanks to her, I’ve found my purpose: to make life better for children with special needs and their families.