Cerebral palsy sufferer presented special award (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)
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Cerebral palsy sufferer presented special award
9:00am Sunday 23rd September 2012 in News
A CEREBRAL palsy sufferer from Clacton has been handed an award for his achievements in the past year.
John Tomkin was named service user of the year at care provider Essex Cares’ second annual awards ceremony.
John won the award after being nominated by his support worker Joanna Dayton.
She said John, who has cerebral palsy and poor eyesight, is a “shining example” for others who use the service.
John loves music and taught himself to play the keyboard. Now he entertains elderly residents at Millicents Day Centre in Clacton.
“Performing at the centre has empowered John to become more independent, to see his true worth in the world and find his voice with those around him,” said Joanna.
She said he “touched the hearts” of everyone he met.
John said: “I’m excited and happy to have won.”
The county-wide outreach division won the team of the year award. Essex Cares has more than 900 employees across the county and made more than 100,000 visits last year.
