‘Madeleine has really opened my eyes to new experiences’
Steff Hanson, 25, is a media and communications professional, also from Worcestershire.
I have to say, I wasn’t very nice to Madeleine when I first met her in September 2013. I’d had a few support assistants previously, but they hadn’t understood me and I hadn’t found them particularly helpful. Gradually, though, I began to see that Madeleine was different. After a while, we started chatting and I realised that we had a lot in common.
I struggle with low selfesteem and would sometimes get overwhelmed by a big assignment, but Madeleine would calmly help me to break things into manageable chunks. I also have dysgraphia, which affects my motor skills, making it difficult to write, so she’d take brilliant notes. She was always in my corner, too, if there was ever any conflict that I didn’t understand. She’d explain how my actions might have made others feel.
When I passed my BTEC in 2014, I asked Madeleine if she’d come with me to do
‘I don’t notice the age gap, except in a positive way’
my degree. I just couldn’t see how I’d manage it without her. Luckily, she was able to make it happen and was there for me for the three years of my BA in Media and Communications.
For my 21st birthday, Madeleine took me to watch The Nutcracker in Birmingham. The idea of ballet didn’t appeal to me, but as she’d bought the ticket I went along – and loved every minute. She really opened my eyes to new experiences.
Although I graduated in 2017, so no longer needed educational support, Madeleine and I are still best friends. We live close to one another, and regularly met for coffee, shopping or a trip out before the COVID-19 pandemic made things more difficult.
In October 2020 – a year after Madeleine’s husband, Paul, died – Madeleine and I went on a falconry day together. We wanted to do something that Paul would have loved. Since his death, and the death of her sister six months ago, I’ve tried to be there for Madeleine more – she has given me so much and it’s an honour to support her as she’s supported me.
During the pandemic, we’ve met up when it’s possible, and I’ve helped Madeleine with her shopping. We talk regularly by phone and email, and have really kept each other going. We’re even involved in business together – selling audio equipment online.
Having an older friend is amazing – I don’t notice the age gap, except in a positive way. It’s wonderful to have a best friend with the life experience, insight and intelligence Madeleine has. I’ve learnt so much from her and she’s really helped to open up my world.
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