The People Making Things Possible – Kim

Kim explains how she volunteers for REMAP as a way of giving back for the invaluable solution one of our engineers made for her late husband, Richard.

I joined the York branch as Publicity Officer last year to help put REMAP on the map.

My first contact with REMAP was David, a volunteer engineer, who came out following an occupational therapy referral for my husband, Richard. David put together a novel head support to lift Richard’s head sufficiently so he could continue to use eye gaze, which was his main communication channel. It was my husband’s suggestion that I joined REMAP as he thought someone as unconventional as me would fit in well! 

Richard died almost 16 months ago now from Motor Neurone Disease, which is progressive and life-limiting. We continued to use David’s device until the last week of his life – it was invaluable as Richard could contribute to his end-of-life care plan. Looking back, I feel grateful that Richard died on his own terms – in the quiet of his home surrounded by his family – which he very much wanted. At the time our medical team was pressing for him to be admitted into hospital. 

So, being involved with REMAP now is payback time.

I work alongside Gerry, the Chair of the York branch, and contact various agencies and organisations that work with and support the disabled community. We offer leaflets and talks. I also write up the stories of the amazing solutions that the engineers in the York branch design for our clients. I attend the monthly York panel meetings and generally contribute to ideas and discussions. 

If others have a little time to offer to make a real difference to people’s lives, then REMAP is for you.

If you’d like to make a difference like Kim, find out how you can get involved.