22 Nov 2024
BBC journalist shares his son’s journey from struggle to joy, thanks to Magic Life.
For years, journalist Humphrey Hawksley, a former BBC foreign correspondent, fought tirelessly to secure appropriate care for his son, Christopher, who was born with cerebral palsy and autism. Christopher’s journey has been marked by profound challenges, but also remarkable resilience. His story, recently featured in The Mail on Sunday, is both a testament to a father’s love and an example of how compassionate, tailored care can change lives.
Now 28, Christopher is thriving in a way his family once thought unimaginable. After spending more than five years in unsuitable temporary accommodation, he has finally found a permanent home with Magic Life, a supported living centre in Peterborough. This move has not only transformed Christopher’s life but also brought much-needed hope and peace of mind to his family.
Humphrey described the experience of watching his son struggle in an environment that was not equipped to meet his needs. “He was stuck in a care home designed only for brief stays, with hardly any exercise or stimulation,” he explained. Without proper outlets for his energy and creativity, Christopher often displayed signs of frustration, including rocking back and forth or screaming.
It was an agonising period for the Hawksley family. As a father, Humphrey was haunted by questions about the life-support Christopher required as a baby. In a particularly raw moment shared in the article, Humphrey admitted he had once questioned whether keeping Christopher alive was the right decision.
But in 2023, their story took a turn for the better. Magic Life, a private organisation specialising in supported living for people with complex needs, offered Christopher a place at one of their centres. After years of searching and disappointment, Humphrey and his family finally found a facility that could meet Christopher’s unique needs.
The change was immediate and profound. Within just a few months, Christopher began to flourish. He now has access to daily exercise, social engagement, and a range of activities that have brought new meaning and purpose to his life. Among his favourite pursuits is playing the piano—something he is extraordinarily talented at.
“Music has always been Christopher’s passion,” Humphrey shared. “As soon as he starts playing, his eyes light up. He’s happy.” With the support of Magic Life, Christopher has even started recording an album, a project that has brought him immense pride and joy.
In addition to nurturing his musical talents, Magic Life has provided Christopher with opportunities to participate in activities like aqua-therapy at the Kingfisher Centre and music workshops through the charity Beat This. These experiences have helped him build confidence, interact with others, and explore new possibilities.
Humphrey described the difference Magic Life has made not just for Christopher, but for the entire family. “Things feel very different now. Yes, it’s been a struggle, but it’s been worth it,” he said. “Magic Life has been brilliant. He’s getting daily exercise and different people talking to him—stimulation he didn’t have before.”
While
Christopher’s story is inspiring, it also sheds light on the broader issues within the UK’s social care system. According to disability charity Sense, there are an estimated 1.6 million people in the UK with complex disabilities. Many of them, like Christopher, face significant challenges in finding suitable care.
A report by the Directors of Adult Social Services revealed that nearly 50,000 people in the UK require round-the-clock attention from two carers at once—a number that has risen by over 7% in the past year. Meanwhile, 90% of local authorities report being unable to meet their care obligations due to funding shortages.
Humphrey emphasised that the problem isn’t just about funding but also about how care is delivered. Many local councils rely on private companies to provide housing and support for people with disabilities. However, these companies often have the right to refuse patients whose needs are particularly complex, leaving families like the Hawksleys with limited options.
“Without The Mail on Sunday’s coverage of Christopher’s situation, we wouldn’t be where we are now,” Humphrey acknowledged. The newspaper’s reporting helped raise awareness of the family’s plight and the broader challenges faced by others in similar situations.
At Magic Life, we are honoured to have been part of Christopher’s journey to a better life. His story highlights the importance of tailored, person-centred care that addresses not just physical needs but also emotional and creative aspirations.
Christopher’s resilience and talent are an inspiration to everyone at Magic Life, and his story reminds us why our mission is so important. We remain committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care for individuals with complex needs, helping them achieve their fullest potential.
We also extend our gratitude to The Mail on Sunday for spotlighting Christopher’s journey and raising awareness about the critical issues in social care. Together, we hope to inspire positive change and ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to live with dignity and joy.
As Humphrey so beautifully put it, “Without their care, Christopher wouldn’t be where he is now.” Stories like this fuel our passion to do more, to care more, and to make a lasting impact.
Read the Full Story on The Mail On Sunday
Images taken for the Mail On Sunday
