13th March 2026
Assistant Locality Manager Caroline Ellis has shared an inspiring story about how determination, creativity, and truly person-centred support helped two women achieve a dream they never thought possible – and formed a lasting friendship along the way.
Jennifer Hawker, who lives at Rhydderch House, and Jane Davies, who lives at Springmead, are both supported by Discovery. Although they now share a close bond, the women were not friends to begin with. In fact, it was Caroline who carefully and thoughtfully brought them together so they could go on holiday – and hopefully get on well enough to share the experience.
Both women have learning disabilities, and both wanted an overseas holiday. For Jane, this followed her first break in nearly 20 years – a short caravan holiday the year before, taken to gently build her confidence. She loved it and soon began talking about wanting to go abroad. After seeing Disney on the television, she was asked if she would like to go to Disneyland. Jane’s excited answer was an immediate “Oh yes!”
Jane is supported by, who has worked with her for seven years and has played a huge part in Jane’s progress. Through consistency, trust, and belief, Jane has grown calmer, more confident, and settled in herself. Caroline knew that with the right support, Jane could manage a big holiday like this.
Caroline also knew that Jenny had never been abroad before. At 79 years old, she had never owned a passport, and the chance to travel overseas could be truly life-changing. Rather than planning two separate trips, Caroline had a bigger idea: bring the women together, support them to build a connection, and go as a group.
To make this work, Caroline arranged for Jane and Jenny to meet in relaxed, everyday settings. They went for coffee together, talked through the holiday plans using easy read information, and gradually got to know one another. Over time, they began going out more – getting their nails done, sharing conversations, and building trust. By the time the holiday plans were confirmed, a genuine friendship had formed.
Planning the trip took persistence. Jenny required an accessible hotel room with a sit-down shower, which made booking at Disneyland Paris particularly challenging. After many calls directly with Disney and plenty of determination, Caroline secured accessible accommodation and suitable dates in September.
Both women then went through the passport process for the very first time. For Jenny, this included several attempts at getting a suitable photo – with plenty of smiles, serious faces, and encouragement along the way. Families were fully involved and delighted, with Jenny’s family especially moved that she was finally being given this opportunity.
When the day arrived, Jane and Jenny boarded a plane for the first time in their lives. For Jenny, at 79, it proved that it really is never too late. She travelled proudly with her Mickey Mouse bag, full of excitement for what lay ahead.
At Disneyland, the women stayed in the Princess Hotel, chosen by Jane and Jenny themselves. On the final night, they dressed up as princesses, a moment that perfectly captured how special the trip was for them both.
Jenny surprised everyone by trying rides, enjoying boat trips, watching shows, meeting characters, and taking photos. Jane embraced everything around her and proudly learned a new word – “Bonjour” – which she joyfully shared with almost everyone she met.
Despite the usual travel challenges, the holiday was a huge success. Caroline and Mandy returned home emotional and incredibly proud – not only of what each woman had achieved individually, but of the friendship that had grown between them.
For Jane, the holiday showed just how much she can achieve when people believe in her. For Jenny, who turns 80 this year, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that brought confidence, joy, and unforgettable memories.
As Caroline’s story shows, this wasn’t just a holiday. It was about creating opportunity, building connection, and proving that with the right support, people can achieve extraordinary things – together.