JANE Holmes, CEO of Wokingham charity Building for the Future, has written a deeply personal and thought-provoking book about raising her daughter Kitty.
Extreme Parenting – part memoir, part call for change – offers an honest account of the realities faced by families parenting disabled children in the UK.
Through her own experiences of raising Kitty, now 24, who has Cerebral Palsy, Jane shines a light on the challenges, battles and resilience that often remain hidden from public view for parents of disabled children.
“People need to know what it’s really like,” she said.
“The constant fighting, the hoops we have to jump through, and the pressure the system places on families.
“We don’t get anything handed to us on a plate and we certainly don’t get handed freebies.”
Jane is increasingly concerned by what she sees as a growing tendency to blame disabled people – including children – for the country’s financial difficulties.
“From strangers online to senior council officials, I see negative attitudes towards disabled people every day.
“It’s outrageous, and I wanted to challenge those narratives with the reality.”
The book also holds personal significance for Jane.
Encouraged for many years by her parents to write a book, she sees it as a tribute to their memory as well as a reflection on her family’s journey.
“I want people to hear the truth first-hand, rather than through distorted narratives,” she she said.
“Disabled children have immense value in our communities, and it’s important that their worth is recognised.”
By sharing her family’s story, Jane hopes to encourage greater understanding, empathy and awareness of the changes that are needed to create a more inclusive society.
The book will resonate with parents, carers, professionals and anyone interested in disability rights and social justice.
Above all, it is a story about determination, love, hope and the strength of family.
Jane has chosen to donate all profits from the book to Building for the Future.
“The book belongs to the children behind the charity,” she said.
“Without them, there would be no charity and no story.”
The timing is significant as Building for the Future prepares to open The Ability Hub, its new SEND community centre, making fundraising more important than ever.
“Although I wrote the book about my daughter, it’s really a gift to all children and all parents who have experienced similar battles, fears, exhaustion, pain and hope.
“Donating the profits to the charity was a complete no-brainer.”
Every book purchase will help support Building for the Future’s work with disabled children and young people, while also helping to create a brighter future for families across our community.
Building for the Future provides activities, support and therapy for children with disabilities and/or additional needs and their families.
Currently based at Our House, Wokingham – the charity’s own fully accessible play centre – the organisation will soon be moving to a bigger, better centre, the Ability Hub.
Extreme Parenting is available on Amazon, priced £12.99.
For information, visit: amazon.co.ukand bftf.org.uk
