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0:00:02 > 0:00:04- I'm James Lusted.
0:00:04 > 0:00:09- I'm 26 and I have Diastrophic - Dysplasia, a rare form of dwarfism.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13- I live at home with my parents - and brother Phil.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15- Phil has the same condition.
0:00:15 > 0:00:19- I don't allow my disability - to hold me back.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21- In fact, I hate the word disabled.
0:00:21 > 0:00:26- In this series, I'll travel Wales - to meet other disabled people...
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- ..to experience life - through their eyes.
0:00:32 > 0:00:34- Subtitles
0:00:35 > 0:00:39- It's great to have another chance - to travel around Wales...
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- ..to meet people who are disabled - or have other conditions.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48- The last journey - was exciting and fun...
0:00:48 > 0:00:50- ..though emotional at times.
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- I'm sure this journey - will be just as memorable.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57- My life has changed - since the last series.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00- I've met my girlfriend, Chloe.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- We're shopping in Chester.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07- Where shall we go for lunch?
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- I don't know. Shame there's not - a Nando's around here!
0:01:11 > 0:01:14- No. It would be good to go there.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18- I'll never forget when we walked in - and she said, "Table for two."
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- We got a menu for you - and a colouring book for me!
0:01:23 > 0:01:26- Chloe and I often go shopping.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29- We've been together for months.
0:01:30 > 0:01:32- It's both interesting and amusing...
0:01:32 > 0:01:37- ..to see the reaction - of children and adults.
0:01:38 > 0:01:40- We have fun and a laugh about it.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46- Chloe understands that I'm - different, that we're different.
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- She is well aware of that.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- We've discussed it - in depth as a couple.
0:01:54 > 0:01:59- It doesn't make any difference to - us. We enjoy each other's company.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- I'm looking forward - to the future with her.
0:02:04 > 0:02:09- After a good day's shopping in - Chester, it's time to head for home.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13- There's another busy day - ahead for me tomorrow.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- I'm meeting a remarkable family - in Caernarfon.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24- Tanwen Lloyd's support worker - visits every day.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- Tanwen has a learning disability - and epilepsy.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32- Mandy helps to get her - daughter ready for school.
0:02:33 > 0:02:34- Hiya, Mandy.
0:02:35 > 0:02:35- Good morning. Are you OK?
0:02:35 > 0:02:37- Good morning. Are you OK?- - Yes, thanks.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- Is Sara up?
0:02:39 > 0:02:40- Sara!
0:02:40 > 0:02:41- Sara!- - Yes?
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- Hurry up and get dressed.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- Do you want the dog to go out?
0:03:04 > 0:03:07- Go out, Tomos. There's a good boy.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11- To enable Tanwen and Sara to live - as independently as possible...
0:03:12 > 0:03:14- ..a support worker - helps with daily chores.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- Tanwen's learning disability - and epilepsy...
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- ..mean certain tasks are hard to do.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- Mandy has been coming here - for seven or eight years.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- Mandy and I are childhood friends.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- We have a good relationship. - I know the family too.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- She's more like a friend - than a support worker.
0:03:39 > 0:03:41- Has the toast gone in?
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- It's in the toaster. OK?
0:03:45 > 0:03:46- You don't want Sara to be late.
0:03:46 > 0:03:47- You don't want Sara to be late.- - No.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- We share secrets.
0:03:50 > 0:03:55- We chat as best friends do.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- Hello, Mandy.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- Can you pass the tablets, - please, Mandy?
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- We're friends.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05- I'm more like Sara's aunt.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- They're used to having people here.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- That's good for Sara.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- She accepts that her mother - needs our support.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20- She's happy to see me, - wherever I am. She's like that.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- She's affectionate.
0:04:22 > 0:04:26- They have a close - mother and daughter relationship.
0:04:26 > 0:04:27- Do you want Mam to cut it?
0:04:27 > 0:04:28- Do you want Mam to cut it?- - Please.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33- I'm a single mother. I look after - Sara and she looks after me.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- We watch out for each other, - like a team.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- We try to be as normal as possible.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48- Tanwen has a dispenser - for her morning and evening tablets.
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- Her condition affects her memory.
0:04:52 > 0:04:53- BUZZER
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- Take your tablets!
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- Tanwen has assistive technology - in her home.
0:05:02 > 0:05:08- A Telecare system connects directly - to the community support line.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12- It was designed for people - who have a memory impairment.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- Sorry to disturb you, Mrs Lloyd. - Are you OK?
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- I've just taken my tablets.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- Thank you. Ta-ta.
0:05:23 > 0:05:24- Ta-ra.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- Sara Lois, - these curls can be annoying!
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- I'm taller than you!
0:05:34 > 0:05:35- I'm taller than you!- - You don't say.
0:05:37 > 0:05:38- Bag.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47- If I remember rightly, your phone - is next to your school uniform.
0:05:48 > 0:05:49- I don't need it.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- I don't need it.- - OK.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55- Let me just fix your collar. - Off to school!
0:05:55 > 0:05:57- Thank you, Mam. Have a good day.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02- Sara has more responsibilities - than most thirteen-year-olds.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- Mandy takes over - as soon as she's left for school.
0:06:09 > 0:06:12- Mandy's taking Tanwen - grocery shopping today.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- But first, they check the food - sell-by date...
0:06:17 > 0:06:22- ..to see what can be thrown out - and what needs to be bought.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25- This has to be eaten today.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- You could have it for tea - with a jacket potato.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33- The bacon has to be used - before Wednesday.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- The fridge is quite bare.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- We'd better get some stuff.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- Mandy is a great help - with the food shopping.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- There's no telling - what Tanwen would buy!
0:06:45 > 0:06:48- If we don't go together...
0:06:48 > 0:06:50- ..she can't see what to buy.
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- She'd buy crisps and pop. - She doesn't think about food.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- It's not that she doesn't want - to buy it, she doesn't realize.
0:06:59 > 0:07:01- If Sara has tea with relatives...
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- ..Tanwen doesn't consider - that she needs food for herself.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- Do you want any fruit?
0:07:09 > 0:07:11- Apples and maybe pears?
0:07:12 > 0:07:13- Yes.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- How about swede mash?
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- What shall I have?
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- I don't know what I'd do - without Mandy's help.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- I'd buy junk, I guess.
0:07:26 > 0:07:27- On the top shelf.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- OK. I wish I wasn't so short!
0:07:30 > 0:07:32- Can you reach it?
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- She helps me to check the dates...
0:07:36 > 0:07:39- ..to make sure the food I buy lasts.
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- The 26th.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- She's a great help and gives me - confidence to go shopping.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54- I think it's a good idea...
0:07:54 > 0:07:57- ..to have someone I know with me.
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- I'd be nervous if I was on my own.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- That's what it says there.
0:08:03 > 0:08:09- "Helps protect - for more healthy hair and scalp."
0:08:15 > 0:08:16- Thank you.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- Let's load the car.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- They can put the shopping away...
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- ..while I'm on my way to Caernarfon - to meet Gwyneth, Tanwen's mother.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- When did you notice - that Tanwen was different?
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- I didn't notice anything...
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- ..until the day - she had her first seizure.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- We took her to the doctor.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- She was referred - to Ysbyty Gwynedd for tests.
0:09:07 > 0:09:11- It was confirmed she was epileptic.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16- When was - the learning disability diagnosed?
0:09:16 > 0:09:21- Around the time - she began to have fits...
0:09:21 > 0:09:23- ..at the age of eleven.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- Before she began to have fits...
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- ..she was incredibly bubbly...
0:09:31 > 0:09:33- ..all the time.
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- She was like any other teenager.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41- When Tanwen was pregnant...
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- ..did you worry how she'd cope?
0:09:45 > 0:09:51- I was concerned - that Sara might be epileptic...
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- ..and how it could affect her.
0:09:54 > 0:09:59- But I was fully aware that - support and assistance is available.
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- We're there for her too...
0:10:02 > 0:10:05- ..and her mother-in-law.
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- How has Tanwen coped - with bringing up Sara?
0:10:10 > 0:10:13- She has done an excellent job.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- She's succeeded.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- We're in the background...
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- ..but she doesn't want us - to interfere too much.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- She's coped very well.
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0:10:33 > 0:10:37- When I was in Chester - with my girlfriend, Chloe...
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- ..I bought a new shirt.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- Before I can wear it, Nain - will alter it to fit me properly.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49- That's nice. - Nice and bright for summer.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- I need it shortening on the bottom.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- I need it shortening on the bottom.- - Do you want to try it on?
0:10:55 > 0:10:58- It'll probably - look like a dress on me!
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- Not for long.
0:11:01 > 0:11:06- Unlike most people, - I can't wear clothes off the peg.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11- Nain has always altered clothes - for me and my brother Phil.
0:11:11 > 0:11:14- I don't know - what I'd do without her.
0:11:14 > 0:11:16- Does Chloe sew?
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- I don't think so. - I don't think she does, no.
0:11:20 > 0:11:21- She'll have to learn!
0:11:21 > 0:11:23- She'll have to learn!- - She will.
0:11:23 > 0:11:24- I'll pass the baton on to her.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27- I'll pass the baton on to her.- - You'll have to teach her.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- I'll let Nain get on with my shirt.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- It's time to meet Tanwen.
0:11:42 > 0:11:44- I wondered how she coped...
0:11:45 > 0:11:50- ..when the epilepsy and - learning disability were diagnosed.
0:11:51 > 0:11:52- Hi, James. Come in.
0:11:52 > 0:11:54- Hi, James. Come in.- - Thank you.
0:11:56 > 0:12:02- Due to the epilepsy, - they knew something would happen.
0:12:02 > 0:12:04- It resulted in learning disability.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- Epilepsy slows down the brain.
0:12:07 > 0:12:09- I couldn't catch up...
0:12:10 > 0:12:15- ..as well as the other children.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- Has the learning disability - prevented you from doing anything?
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- I was terribly nervous - when I was younger.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31- It stopped me from doing - a lot of things I wanted to do.
0:12:32 > 0:12:38- It was a shame, but I had to accept - I couldn't do those things.
0:12:40 > 0:12:41- Despite all of this...
0:12:42 > 0:12:46- ..Tanwen realized her dream - of a wedding and having a child.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49- I had always wanted a child, always.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54- I never thought - I'd actually have a child...
0:12:54 > 0:13:00- ..because of my learning disability - and epilepsy.
0:13:00 > 0:13:05- Were people concerned - how you'd cope with raising Sara?
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- I was worried in the beginning...
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- ..whether or not - I'd be allowed to keep Sara.
0:13:13 > 0:13:16- I was lucky.
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- I had my family around to help me...
0:13:21 > 0:13:27- ..to understand - how to raise a child...
0:13:27 > 0:13:32- ..how to feed her - and give her a happy life.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- All those concerns.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39- I never thought I'd lose Sara...
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- ..because I have - my family behind me.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- It wasn't an easy pregnancy.
0:13:47 > 0:13:51- Unfortunately, - the baby came sooner than expected.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- Sara was born ten weeks prematurely.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57- She was so tiny.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- She was put in an incubator.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- I was scared of putting - my hands in the incubator.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- All I could see - were bones and thin, thin skin.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10- It was horrible, honest.
0:14:11 > 0:14:13- But I feel quite lucky.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18- Some premature babies don't survive.
0:14:20 > 0:14:23- I'm happy that she's here.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- Without Sara, - I don't know where I'd be.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- Tanwen faced another dramatic change - when Sara was only five.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- Her husband, Dylan, died suddenly.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42- How did you cope through that?
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- The first year was hard. - Sara was young.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- Sara didn't know what was happening.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53- I felt I was all alone.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57- He always came with me - wherever I went.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59- He'd come shopping with me.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- There was no way - I'd leave the house without him.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09- Thanks to Sara, my confidence grew - and I began to go out.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- She's constantly encouraging me - to go out.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- "You have to do it, Mam," - she says.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19- "There's no point staying in - the house."
0:15:19 > 0:15:23- You and Sara Lois make a good team.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- Yes. We do everything together.
0:15:27 > 0:15:32- I hope I don't put - too much pressure on her.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- She's only thirteen years old.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- Girls that age - should be out having fun.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- It's what teenagers do.
0:15:47 > 0:15:52- Mam and I have a cuppa together.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56- I make sure Mam - takes her tablets twice a day.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- I do the housework - and wash the dishes.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07- I wash and fold the clothes.
0:16:07 > 0:16:13- Mam is epileptic.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- How do you feel - when Mam has a fit?
0:16:16 > 0:16:18- I get scared.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20- Do you feel sad?
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- Do you feel sad?- - But I know she'll be OK.
0:16:23 > 0:16:24- Do you worry about Mam?
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- Do you worry about Mam?- - Yes.
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- When you're in school - and out with friends?
0:16:30 > 0:16:36- When I come home, - I'm relieved that Mam is OK.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41- What sort of relationship - do you have with your mother?
0:16:42 > 0:16:44- Mam and I are like two sisters.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- How has having Sara - changed your life?
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- It's changed my life for the better.
0:16:54 > 0:16:59- She means the whole world to me.
0:16:59 > 0:17:05- She's a beautiful girl - and she's happy.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- Since Tanwen's husband died...
0:17:09 > 0:17:11- ..Sara has cared for her mother...
0:17:11 > 0:17:15- ..with the support - of the local authority.
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- To give Sara a break from caring...
0:17:18 > 0:17:23- ..she has one-to-one support - from the Young Carers Project.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- This is nice.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- Is the mint choc chip one nice?
0:17:29 > 0:17:30- Is the mint choc chip one nice?- - Yes.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- At least it's dry. We wouldn't - want ice cream if it was raining.
0:17:38 > 0:17:43- Sara has support from - the Gwynedd Young Carers Project.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- A young carer - is a child or young person...
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- ..who cares for someone at home...
0:17:51 > 0:17:54- ..who has a condition...
0:17:55 > 0:18:00- ..special needs or disabilities - that require care.
0:18:00 > 0:18:05- We assess Sara's role as a carer...
0:18:05 > 0:18:08- ..and support her needs.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12- When she was younger...
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- ..she didn't understand - that she was a young carer.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- She did it because - she was used to doing it.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22- It's terribly difficult.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- Their childhood - is taken away from them.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- They have to be like adults.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- They have to cope with situations...
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- ..that most children - would never come across.
0:18:35 > 0:18:39- Has anything changed - since I last saw you?
0:18:39 > 0:18:45- Mam lets me come to town on my own.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48- Is it nice to have that freedom?
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- Yes.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56- When Mam is having a bad day, is - there anything you do differently?
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- I'm there when she needs me.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07- Taking part in these activities - with the project...
0:19:08 > 0:19:10- ..boosts their confidence.
0:19:11 > 0:19:13- They feel better about themselves.
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- It's nice for the families too.
0:19:17 > 0:19:23- Many parents feel guilty - about the situation.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27- Having the chance to go out...
0:19:27 > 0:19:32- ..and joining in our programme of - activities makes them feel better.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- In order to encourage Tanwen - to cook at home...
0:19:37 > 0:19:42- ..the social services have arranged - for her to attend a cookery course.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- It's aimed at people - with learning disabilities.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- I'm not much of a chef myself.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54- I decided to find out - if I could learn something too.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57- Hiya, Tanwen.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- You look busy! What are you doing?
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- You look busy! What are you doing?- - I'm making salmon fishcakes.
0:20:03 > 0:20:04- Do you want to wear your pinny?
0:20:04 > 0:20:06- Do you want to wear your pinny?- - Yes.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08- I'll help you.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- Can you tie it up at the back? - Thank you.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- Are these classes helpful?
0:20:15 > 0:20:20- Yes. They give me - a lot of self-esteem.
0:20:21 > 0:20:26- Before Sara was born, - I was scared of using the cooker.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- I was scalded by boiling water - in my auntie's house.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35- I haven't used a cooker since then.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40- I've just started to feel confident - enough to make myself a cuppa.
0:20:41 > 0:20:42- Do you cook?
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- Do you cook?- - Sometimes I do.
0:20:44 > 0:20:49- It's hard, - because I can't reach the worktop.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51- I get up on a stool.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54- I get up on a stool.- - Is the kitchen adapted for you?
0:20:55 > 0:21:00- No, because I live at home with - Mam and Dad. Mam does the cooking.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04- Sometimes, - I'll stand on a stool or ladder.
0:21:04 > 0:21:07- We have a small area - in the kitchen...
0:21:07 > 0:21:11- ..where my brother and I - can cook or make a cuppa.
0:21:11 > 0:21:16- But the kitchen itself - hasn't been adapted.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22- I thought this would be simple. - But it's hard work!
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- Do you want some of this - to make yours bigger?
0:21:29 > 0:21:31- Don't tell anyone!
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- We'll make two each.
0:21:39 > 0:21:40- There you are.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42- There you are.- - Thank you.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49- Is it alright like that?
0:21:49 > 0:21:53- We have to take them to the cooker.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59- They need to cook in the oven - for 20 minutes.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- I'll take them. - Do you want to come with me?
0:22:02 > 0:22:03- Yes.
0:22:11 > 0:22:13- I'll close the door.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- After spending time with Tanwen - what really struck me...
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- ..was the closeness - of the relationship...
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- ..between mother and daughter.
0:22:24 > 0:22:29- They have a lovely relationship - and are supportive of one another.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- Their story shows how families can - help each other through hard times.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38- These two great characters - are a fantastic team.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- S4C Subtitles by Gwead