Making the Algarve somewhere special
Updated: 23-Jul-2010
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Rachel Shepherd with her daughter Francesca, 7. Photo: DAISY SAMPSON.
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For many, the Algarve is the perfect holiday destination with the quaint cobbled streets, whitewashed villas and secluded coved beaches making for a beautiful summer backdrop.
However, for people suffering from mobility difficulties, a trip to the beach or a restaurant can prove to be a stressful experience as steps are negotiated, parking found and access arranged.
Algarve resident Rachel Shepherd knows exactly how difficult life can be and equally how easy it potentially can become, with a little planning and the cooperation of the authorities and businesses, to enjoy the best of the Algarve.
Now she has setup a website, www.somewherespecial.org.uk, to help inform visitors of amenities in the area and equally promote businesses that provide facilities for disabled visitors and residents.
The website was inspired by Rachel’s seven-year-old daughter Francesca, who was born with a collapsed lung and a hole in her heart.
Francesca also has other medical problems, including a displaced hip which required surgery with pins and plates, and a twisted body shape that needs constant physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
“In total, Francesca had 10 general anaesthetics in the first four years of her life as she suffered from renal failure, septicaemia and pneumonia, and also had her adenoids and tonsils removed. She also has no speech so I have learnt Makaton, a form of signing, to be able to communicate with her,” said Rachel.
Meanwhile, Rachel has had her own health difficulties, suffering from heart problems since birth that led to heart failure and the fitting of two pacemakers and prolonged periods in hospital.
“My health is now under control but I still require specialist medication and, equally as important, I need to feel secure in my surroundings and confident in the medical services available to me,” she said.
This personal experience has enabled Rachel to be able to look at the facilities of the Algarve with a different perspective.
“There are many simple steps that businesses can implement to help people suffering from disabilities. For example when Francesca was unable to eat solid foods, we would ask restaurants to liquidise foods for her but not all had the facilities to do this.
“Also, I know that when I was in hospital, there was a time when I thought “I never want to leave” as I was so scared about being away from medical facilities and experts in case something happened to me. A website like ours will hopefully make people feel confident about being away from their home and hospital.”
Rachel is now working to encourage as many businesses as possible to let people know “what makes them special” for those with disabilities, while also detailing medical facilities and services available in the region.
“We hope the site will be able to act as a one stop shop for individuals and families with medical or special needs or disabilities, who are planning to travel to Portugal. We want people to feel confident, relaxed and secure in their holiday choice while, at the same time, both children and adults can receive therapies such as Hippotherapy, Bowen, Reiki and much more.
“We would love to see the Algarve become the new alternative holiday destination for people with disabilities, making it so that families do not have to travel to the United States for this level of care.”
Somewherespecial.org.uk is proud to be associated with Aquashow and Luzdoc.
For further information about the project or for a listing of sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.somewherespecial.org.uk (available in English) or email somewherespecial@live.co.uk
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