Family’s joy as community rallies around to replace ‘sensory’ hot tub for man with disabilities

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Retired paediatric nurse and devoted mother Morag Winston from Deeping St Nicholas has been “amazed” at how those have rallied around to support her and her 23-year-old son Harry during lockdown.

Harry, who has a number of disabilities including epilepsy, autism and Down’s syndrome, has relied on using his Lay-Z-Spa hot tub which has helped with his sensory needs. When disaster struck, as rats chewed through it, Morag was unable to fix it.

With the help and generosity of friends, family, charities and strangers, Morag has been able to raise £4,500 (after targeting £4,000) in only a few days. Putting the money towards a hot tub, it means Harry is able to enjoy the hot temperatures and enjoy an activity as he would before the lockdown.

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With help from Posh Spas, they will be fitting and supplying a new hydrotherapy hot tub at cost price for the family.

Harry in his Lay-Z-Spa hot tubHarry in his Lay-Z-Spa hot tub
Harry in his Lay-Z-Spa hot tub

As Harry is not able to understand what is going on, adjusting to lockdown has been difficult for the family. Morag said: “We’re in isolation without a break and I needed help to give him something he loves.

“It’s been really hard. I am so thankful. I’m gobsmacked. It will make such a difference in our lives. You get through the day-to-day, but it’s the days when you don’t see anybody that are hard.”

Though normally Harry attends sessions at Sense, where he can enjoy the outdoors taking part in horse riding, trampolining and ice skating, the hot tub is set to bring hours of joy and stimulation.

With endless support from close friends and family, it looks as if ‘cheeky chappie’ Harry will be able to enjoy his new hot tub for years to come.

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