Ian and Robin's story

What lengths would you go to give your loved one the best life possible?

An auto-engineer, ex dairy farmer and international egg distributor in a past life, Ian’s can-do attitude helped him achieve much more than what was thought possible for Robin.

Sadly, it wasn’t the first time the couple had suffered significant loss.

Their son, passed away at the age of 24, after battling an autoimmune disease called “Good Pastures” for seven years. Ian and Robin did not give up and provided every opportunity they could to ensure he had the best chance in life.

Robin would spend three months in hospital following her stroke. Her prognosis was grim. Paralysed down the left-hand side of her body made it impossible for Robin to move her arm and it was thought she would probably never walk again.

The couple refused to take this lying down.

There was hope. With rehabilitation, Robin would, eventually, be able to stand and do what was required to have as normal a life as possible but in a wheelchair.

When staff could see no further improvement, it was decided to discharge Robin.

“I was told I should consider putting her into total care,” Ian says, “They didn’t think I could look after her at home and no help was offered in any form. I brought Robin home with no intention of ever putting her into care."

If Ian could prove their house could cater for Robin’s needs, she could go home with him. Ian set about modifying their home to make that possible but his care didn’t stop there.

In the beginning, life wasn’t easy. On top of an 18 to 20-hour day, Ian would be up two to three hours in the night helping Robin. Ian worked hard to find solutions that would make life better for the both of them.

Ian’s innovations and resourcefulness, such as seeking and sourcing therapeutic equipment the world over, have enabled Robin to experience the joy of walking without toppling over, waving her left hand and, perhaps most importantly, smiling again.

“Today, Robin is able to knit as if nothing had happened to her arm."

“It does not have a lot of strength but can be used for lots of jobs when the mind is willing.”

Ian’s feats have ensured Robin can live an as comfortable and fulfilled life as possible. They even have a motorhome that’s been modified so Robin can enjoy all that our beautiful country has to offer.

Now in their early 80’s, Robin receives help from two carers five days a week and has respite visits in a rest home to give Ian a rest. Ian is still, ultimately, hands on with her needs 24/7 and continues to adore her.

They are living their best lives.