Lucy’s Story: Resilience and Progress
Lucy completed her Silver DoE at the Lions Charity Shop. Despite Jacobsen’s Syndrome, she has blossomed in school, volunteers, and enjoys active hobbies.
Sue SubowCoordinator of Volunteers and Charity Shop
Lucy is proud of her achievement
Over the past month, we have had the pleasure of welcoming a truly remarkable young lady, Lucy Harris, to the Lion Charity Shop, where she has been working to complete her Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
During her time with us, she carried out a wide range of duties, including stocking shelves and serving our customers. Now that she has completed her Silver Award, she still kindly volunteers her help from time to time on Saturday mornings.
Last year, Lucy achieved her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. As part of that award, she spent a week living and travelling on a canal boat. In addition, throughout this academic year, she completed a weekly work placement at a local care home, where she received glowing praise from both staff and residents.
Lucy was born with Jacobsen’s Syndrome, a rare genetic condition caused by the partial deletion of Chromosome 11 — a condition that affects approximately one in every 100,000 children. At birth, she also had two holes in her heart. When she was just two days old, she underwent major surgery, in which a vein was taken from her left arm to help widen her aorta.
To help improve her low muscle tone, Lucy began horse riding with Kingston Bagpuize Riding for the Disabled at just 18 months old. For many years afterwards, she used a walking frame to get around.
Lucy initially attended a mainstream school, but it became clear that her needs could not be fully met there. Her parents successfully secured a place for her at Fitzwaryn School in Wantage — and since joining, she has truly blossomed, making wonderful progress, particularly in reading and writing.
And we have some wonderful news to share: Lucy has been accepted at Derwen College, an independent specialist college in Shropshire, which supports students aged 16+ with special educational needs through vocational courses, independent living skills, life skills, and work preparation. She starts this September — congratulations and best of luck, Lucy!
In her spare time, Lucy enjoys swimming and playing rugby with Witney Wolves.
To learn more about Derwin College, click hereLucy is a superb young lady with remarkable achievements. She is a delight to be around — always helpful and kind.
