Jesus and John met in Mexico, where Jesus was working as a professional model, and had just graduated from a degree in international relations. Jesus came to the UK in 2000 and they have been living in London together ever since.
Jesus suffered a stroke in November 2015, and was discharged from hospital in February 2016. John became Jesus’ full-time carer, and began to research charities that could help, and put together weekly activities for Jesus.
Then John found Headway. Jesus became a member in October 2018, and for John, it was a huge relief from the pressure to be a full-time carer: “I would be working as a support worker seven days a week and fitting in being a partner as well as a carer.”
Jesus now has 37.5 hours of community support, which has transformed their lives as a couple. It has helped their relationship to stay strong and retain independence: “It’s about Jesus and I being able to maintain our relationship in the best way we possibly can.”
Jesus has 37.5 hours of community support, which has transformed their lives as a couple. It has helped their relationship to stay strong and retain independence: “It’s about Jesus and I being able to maintain our relationship in the best way we possibly can.”
With his team of support workers, Jesus can often be found at the latest gallery shows and events. “Jesus’ interests, intelligence, passions, his joie de vivre, that’s not changed. I try to ensure that he is in the driving seat as much as possible.”
John wishes for the same support to be available to everyone: “I can only imagine there’s other people in a similar situation who could benefit from this support, who may be entitled to it, but just don’t get it.”
Now Jesus is a much-loved member of Headway’s community, regularly appearing in the #HeadwayFashion posts on our Instagram with his fabulous looks.
