My son’s life was turned around by caring staff
Reporter: Marina Berry
Date published: 23 June 2010
PRIDE IN OLDHAM: TWO men behind a service which has transformed the lives of a group of Oldhamers with disabilities has been heralded as “the best.”
The shining accolade came from the mother of a man whose life was changed by the pair.
Mark Hilton (34) has mild autism and learning difficulties which make it very difficult for him to communicate.
But since he was offered a place at the Chadderton Hall Park Project, his life has made an amazing turnaround.
Mark was pictured feeding pigs in a Chronicle feature on the scheme on May 10.
His beaming face and sheer pleasure in the task touched his mother, Ann, to such a degree she was prompted to make one of this year’s first nominations for a Pride in Oldham award.
She said: “Seeing my lovely son and all his friends in the paper was excellent. Mark’s life has totally changed since he started going to the park. He loves his flowers and the pigs.”
The project is run by Oldham’s adult social care services, and has a garden centre, a nursery, and even has a flock of chickens to lay eggs for sale.
David Matthew and Scott Cotton run the site, helping people with disabilities to get the best from their days.
They aim to help their charges feel valued, gain new skills and increase their confidence, and Mrs Hilton (75) said: “Oldham has a service like no other.”
David said he and Scott were pleased and proud to have been nominated for an award, adding: “It’s fantastic.
“Everyone who comes here enjoys it so much, they all get a lot of pleasure, and it’s wonderful when someone says it makes a difference to their son or daughter.”
Mrs Hilton added: “I would award all the staff the Pride in Oldham award for their care, dedication and love they give to these special people.”
The mother sent a message to the team: “To achieve this is a miracle — 30 years ago no one would have believed it possible. Bless you all.”
How to nominate someone: see the “sticky” item at the head of this page
