2021

Finally back face to face on her animal welfare course at Pershore College. Shielding has dragged on for Beth however she is back doing 3 days per week, with horse riding on a Tuesday. Beth loves playing with her 2 new nephews, Elias and Jacob.

Beth bought herself a Trekinetic all terrain wheelchair. It ‘s much more robust than an ordinary wheel chair and so the family spent lots of time trekking in rougher terrain in the Midlands area.

Beth has now transferred from Children’s services to adult, and is looked after by the Queen Elizabeth hospital. We are all sad to leave Birmingham Children’s Hospital. We’ve found the care and support of the staff amazing. Without doubt, there are some amazing people who work there.

2020

Beth was 16 this year - can’t believe where all the time has gone to!

Beth did very well in her exams, gaining many certificates. She bids farewell to Alderman Knight School and attends Pershore College now, where she is doing a combined animal welfare and agriculture course, although covid has meant that she has spent large parts doing on line learning.

Beth has continued to do well, healthwise. She had routine surgery to fit catheter stents in her lungs in August 2020

1st day at Pershore College

2022 - Beth’s 18th Birthday

Beth had a wonderful birthday in April. She did pottery and had a small family party. She also received a signed picture of Ant and Dec. We’ve signed a deal with Chat magazine for her 18th pictures to appear in the magazine soon.

Beth will also be hosting a joint party in July with her Granddad, who will be 80.

Beth has 2 guinea pigs, Eli and Bert ,and is spending a lot of time taming them.

September 2023

Beth finished her Foundation Land Based studies at Pershore College. This month started a one year Internship, in which she will spend up to 2 days at Cotswold Riding for the Disabled on work experience and 1 day at Pershore College working on functional skills.

In July, Beth competed in the R.D.A. National Finals in Gloucestershire, in the dressage category. Although she didn’t win, she came across some stiff competition from other RDA competitors.

December 2017:

Beth is a teenager now! She attends Alderman Knight Special Needs School in Tewkesbury. Her health is stable although is continually ‘chesty’. Worcester Hospital have put here on a long term, low dose antibiotic to stave off chest infections. Birmingham Children’s Hospital continue to monitor her. Heart function is good, with a little valve leakage. She continues on Enalapril and Warfarin.

Achievements this year: Learnt to ride her bike; plays recorder and sings in choir. Loves going horse riding at The Disabled Riding School at  Cheltenham Race course.

February 2018

Beth’s in the news again. Our local newspaper covered the cheque handover to Birmingham Children’s on 23 January. Click the photograph for the newspaper article:

2018

With continued good health, Bethan has had a good year. She became an Aunty in November to baby Elias, had a new bike for her 14th birthday in April and performed in various productions for the school including a Shakespeare play, appearances for the choir and work experience in the cafe at Tewkesbury Abbey.

Bethan continues to receive enalapril, warfarin (for which Mandy tests her blood regularly for thickness) and a daily dose of antibiotic to keep the nasty bugs away and her chest clear. Our check up at Birmingham went well and was signed off for another 12 months.

2019

Beth continues to do horse riding at RDA Cheltenham Race course.  Beth got a chance to use her horse riding skills at Blenheim Palace! (not competing but supporting Mandy’s life time friend, Sue, in the Horse Trials)

September 2024

College life has come to an end. Beth successfully completed her Internship at Pershore College.

Beth has a Personal Assistant part time with whom she spends time on various activities, including volunteering at St Richards Hospice shop in Evesham and doing shopping trips, visits to theatre/cinema and going on walks. She also spends 1 day volunteering at Cotswold Riding for the Disabled at Cheltenham racecourse, grooming horses, doing courses and, of course, developing her riding skills.

Her pride and joy, the guinea pigs continue to occupy her time as well as looking after her 2 nephews Elias and Jacob.

Beth remains medically stable, continuing with medication , and being monitored by Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

Presenting a cheque at Cotswold RDA

On holiday at Pony Sanctuary

September 2025

Beth has been dogged with health issues this year surrounding her heart rate and frequency. At one point she was diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation when her heart rate was permanently at around 140 bpm and out of rhythm.

The Q.E. hospital at Birmingham reassured us that as she is now an adult, we can expect more issues with keeping her heart stable but it is nothing unusual in hypoplast patients. She is now on a beta blocker (Bisopropol 2.5mg) which is keeping the heart rate to more normal ranges and ‘in rhythm’

Away from health issues, Bethan continues to do activities with her Personal Assistant twice a week helping out with our 2 grandchildren and caring for Bert the guinea pig.