The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Family fundraising to make new memories PEOPLE:
Angus couple hoping to install a sensory bathroom for daughter
An Angus family who almost lost a daughter to suicide has launched an appeal to improve her quality of life.
Gillian and Rob Millman want to make “new memories” with their daughter Lauren, left in a vegetative state after attempting to take her own life in 2013.
Following years of specialist care, the family noticed a massive improvement in the 23-year-old’s reactions when she used a hot tub for the first time during a family holiday in Blackpool.
Mr and Mrs Millman have now launched a fundraising bid to install a sensory bathroom in their home.
Mrs Millman said: “Both myself and Rob are under no illusions that we will ever have Lauren back as she was, which is why it’s all about improving her quality of life and making new memories.”
She added: “But on a positive note our son Stuart, who turns 21 on the 22nd, is now at Abertay studying computer games technology, of which we are immensely proud as this has been his dream for several years and to achieve this alongside everything we’ve been through is inspiring.”
Lauren was studying higher social sciences at Angus College when the tragedy happened.
She receives 24-hour respite care at the family’s specially-adapted home in Arbroath but the couple recently took her on holiday to Brickhouse Farm in Blackpool, which has accessible cottages including a hot tub with a tracking hoist.
“She seemed to like it, as she became quite ‘vocal’ when she was in it with her dad,” said Mrs Millman.
“She also had access to a bath, which again she enjoyed using, and I hired out a special armchair on wheels for her which enabled her to be out of her wheelchair but also spend quality time with us.
“On returning, both myself and Rob thought about how we could get Lauren to replicate these reactions at home.
“We thought about a hot tub, but the expense and practicality of having one at the house is not really a possibility.
“We then decided on the best option being a jacuzzi bath, which we have already purchased.
“We also need to strip and revamp part of her bathroom and we need to purchase a tracking hoist to enable Lauren to get in and out of the bath.”
Lauren is not able to access hydrotherapy run by the council in the community as those facilities are only for those with learning disabilities.
The family has now started a fundraising page to purchase the £1,700 tracking hoist whilst appealing to local businesses or tradesmen to help fix it up.
In Scotland two people take their own lives every day and suicide is the biggest killer of young people, but the associated stigma can make it difficult to talk to others.
People can access the fundraising page on gofundme.com/lauren039ssensory-bathroom.
Myself and Rob are under no illusions that we will ever have Lauren back as she was, which is why it’s all about improving her quality of life. GILLIAN MILLMAN