Just go for it!
I wanted to give a bit of inspiration to all those out there struggling with young WS children and all the challenges that go with it – feeling like there will be lots of things you used to enjoy that you will now struggle to do!
We went on a fantastic family skiing holiday in France including Hana, 13, who has WS.
Hana could not go on the upcoming school skiing trip as the school were unable to provide support or the 1:1 ski instructor she would require. Therefore we asked permission from the school to take her out with her family to experience and enjoy this extracurricular activity, which her school were very supportive of.
We booked Hana in for three mornings of private lessons with her brother with a fantastic ski instructor, Sedrick, who provided Hana with so much positive encouragement, fun, singing and plenty of giggles! Following this, Hana was able to ski 3km from top of the lift to the bottom of the resort on a blue run with snowplough turns!! We were all delighted and something I didn’t think Hana would ever achieve!
As we were out of busy season the slopes were quiet, no queues and there were instructors available for private hire so a great opportunity for Hana to go. I think the hot chocolate with cream and the Nutella crepes sat out in the cafe at lunchtime in the sunshine also made the experience even more enjoyable for her!
Hana has also become very confident on her mountain bike managing to do the blue downhill trails at our local forest bike park and last year she cycled with an overnight camping trip around the Isle of Wight with us .
I think her balance was transformed at an early age when she got her trampoline which she still loves .
Just thought this might provide a bit of hope that they can do most things with a bit of encouragement and the right support so if in doubt just go for it and try everything!!
Nina – Hana’s Mum