Paul's Story

I call myself a Kiwi Londoner. My father, an Australian Catholic merchant mariner, met my New Zealand mother in Wellington on a stopover. Less than two years later, they were married at St Mary of the Angels Cathedral after my mum converted to Catholicism. Years later, I was the first person in my family to go to university. During this time, I met and fell in love with Jenny.  

Jenny and I married secretly, then endured our parents' wrath! Soon enough, Jenny was pregnant, and our beautiful daughter Eowyn was born. Eowyn developed normally, but after only two or three years she began to lose her skills.   

Paediatricians in New Zealand were unable to diagnose her condition. One consultant, however, gave us a referral to Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital in London, and we landed in London in May 1979 seeking answers. 

A few years later, Rett Syndrome, a severe physical and learning disability, was confirmed. Eowyn attended special needs schools in Westminster and Lambeth. Jenny and I divorced but continued to care for Eowyn in our separate households. 

As a wheelchair user, it was difficult for Eowyn to access housing, and I had to live in a shared house to give her the appropriate unit. This caused problems, particularly since my son was born and, as a family, we felt pressured by the needs of the other residents.  

I noticed the Mulberry co-operative development while driving to work from Vauxhall and was delighted to have the opportunity to apply for a unit in the Palm co-op, which was then being built. Eowyn and I attended an interview with Christine Czechowski and Iain Tuckett, and the rest is history!  

Moving to Coin Street meant that we could live in a safe, affordable, and accessible home, without interference. Eowyn loved the South Bank, the River Thames, Lambeth Walk day services, regular meals at the Royal Festival Hall and outings to the Embankment Gardens and further afield.  

Sadly, some years later, Eowyn contracted pneumonia and died, despite the great care she received at St Thomas's Hospital. I continue to live in Palm and contribute as much as possible and have fulfilled my co-op duties, becoming Chair and Management Committee member several times.  

I enjoy my community and it is a miracle that vigorous social housing remains a feature of Bankside. None of us should feel discouraged by the stresses of current times and should remain positive above all!