How Black Isle care cabin 'pipe dream' for terminally ill lad came true; Carbon Dynamic hook-up helped ensure Batten disease boy (6) can be cared for at home
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THE mother of a terminally ill Black Isle boy has spoken of how the "pipe dream" to provide a purpose-built care cabin close to home came true.
The pod built by Invergordon-based Carbon Dynamic for North Kessock lad Reece Mitchell means the six-year-old can be cared for at home.
A major fundraising drive was supported across the Highlands as people rallied round to help.
The completed pod was installed at the family home in February.
The project came about when Reece’s mother, Donna Mitchell, reached out to local companies for support to create an appropriate care and respite space for the lad, who was diagnosed with a rare case of Batten disease, a neurogenerative condition for which there is currently no cure.
Specialist symptom management and therapy are essential to assist in maintaining a good quality of life for children and their families.
Ms Mitchell knew that their family home would soon not be suitable for Reece’s ongoing care as she had to struggle to carry him up and down stairs. The need for an easily accessible space, which offered plenty of room to care for Reece and hold all of his belongings, became increasingly apparent.
She said: “It started as a pipe dream at first about having a purpose-built pod in the garden to care for Reece, but I went on the internet and contacted lots of companies and the only one who came back to me was Carbon Dynamic in Invergordon.
“Matt from Carbon Dynamic came out and drew up plans for a cabin connecting onto the house and designed it to take into account all the specialist equipment that we’ll need.”
Matt Stevenson, director at Carbon Dynamic, said: “Donna contacted us, and we were eager to get involved. This project had a purpose and that was to help Reece.”
Carbon Dynamic design and manufacture timber modular buildings using locally sourced and sustainable materials.
He added: “When designing the pod, we looked at all the different design aspects and wanted to source a material that was high quality, low maintenance and easy to maintain but also striking. IRO Timber was the perfect product for the job.”
Carbon Dynamic contacted IRO Timber to ask if they could collaborate and contribute in any way possible to this worthy project.
IRO heat enhanced architectural timber is a revolutionary range of products developed by BSW Timber. A high quality, low maintenance product, IRO adds character to indoor and outdoor spaces.
James Brennan, marketing manager at IRO Timber, said: “This was a great project for IRO to get involved with. It’s a heart-warming project and we are happy we could help and give back to such a brave and deserving young boy.
“Using IRO in build projects offers an added level of protection via its different surface treatments, and also aids the finished look with a beautiful enhanced grain appearance. We are delighted that this mix of practicalities and aesthetic enhancements could bring joy and support to a local family.”
Ms Mitchell said: “As Reece’s mum my biggest fear is that I don’t want Reece to die in hospital, I want him to be at home where he should be.With the help of Highland Hospice and the community nurses, it means I will be able to care for Reece at home.”
The pod was delivered to the Mitchell household in February and Reece’s mum, Donna, said they were “over the moon to finally have a dedicated area for Reece’s belongings”.
The pod will enable the family to stay in their home area, surrounded by friends in as comfortable an environment as possible.
The family hope that the care cabin, which has a shelf life of up to 100 years, could be used by others in the future; offering an opportunity to other families, like the Mitchells, to avoid lengthy hospital commutes and provide the most comfortable environment for a loved one, at their own home.
If you would like to find out more about Batten disease, please visit the Batten Disease Family Association (BDFA) and find out more about supporting them as well as upcoming events and activities at www.bdfa-uk.org.uk
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