Jonathan was 19 years old when he suffered a severe brain injury that could have left him with speech and mobility issues and requiring lifelong care from his parents. Fortunately, Jonathan recovered better than expected but this made him question what support is out there for people who have additional care needs. This is when he found out about learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. nursing.
I qualified as a Registered Nurse in Learning Disabilities in 2002. I have had an incredibly varied career working with adults and children, in hospitals and community A community is the people and places in an area. , for the NHS The NHS is the National Health Service. The NHS gives free healthcare to everyone in the UK and includes things like your GP (doctors) surgery and hospitals. and for social care
Social care means the services that give care and support to people who need it. providers.
By 2014 I was frustrated at always seeing services and thinking if that was me receiving support it would not be good enough. I then rolled up my sleeves and established PBS4 to support people with a learning disability and complex needs. Today, 12 years on, we are now supporting over 100 people in the South and employing around 500 staff.
Jonathan still contributes to national work as he is the Royal College of Nursing’s UK Professional Lead for Learning Disabilities and Neuroscience. A key part of the role is about tackling the crisis currently facing Registered Nurses in Learning Disabilities – the limited course availability is causing jeopardy to the profession.
I have followed Mencap’s campaigns throughout my career and supported a lot of work they do in social care and as a local family resource. Presently I am fortunate to be able to support some of Mencap’s work nationally. It is a privilege to be running the London Marathon for them and to support their important campaigning work.
What are your top fundraising tips (dos and don’ts)?
"For me, it has been don’t be afraid to ask businesses. Corporate sponsorships can be very generous and help you hit your goals. If you can do things to promote them too, like public expressions of thanks on your social media, that can go a long way."
What is your running history (and have you run for Mencap before)?
"I’ve been running for about seven years now. I started when I realised I needed to do something about my health before it was too late, and I needed something to do that wasn’t work! I have never looked back. I frequently enjoy runs from 10k to half marathons. I have only ever run one marathon before and it was a trail one, so very different."
Jonathan has raised nearly £3,000 and we couldn't be prouder for everything he has done to support people with a learning disability. £3,000 could help provide half an hour of legal advice for 20 loved ones of people with a learning disability so they can get help setting up a trust A Trust looks after money for a person or a group of people. . This, in turn, will mean financial Financial means anything that is to do with money. It is used to describe how people, businesses, or governments get money and how they use it certainty in the future for their relative with a learning disability.
Check out one of our events now and support people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.