Ethan and I have a wonderful relationship, we spend a huge amount of time together and manage to laugh everyday. We share many things, a love of Robbie Williams, and music in general, and whilst neither of us can hold a tune, we both love to sing, often bursting out in song! We have been to many concerts over the years including Robbie, Queen, Adele and many others. We enjoy going to the footy together, something I learnt to love, now finding myself a very passionate supporter. Ethan has learnt to love shopping, going out for coffee or lunch, and last year we both discovered how much we love the beach.

We often just spend time chatting about what's going on in the world, the latest sports news or just everyday conversations. We always start our week with a chat about the week ahead, appointments, visits, put a meal plan together with a shopping list, make a list of calls that need to be made, emails to be sent. At the end of every day we chat about what has happened that day, have a moan, have a laugh and say goodnight.

As I have gotten older I have realised the importance of surrounding Ethan with quality people who will help support him in his life. Whilst Ethan is a very capable young man, being disabled creates many obstacles and having support will always be needed. Whilst I know his brother will always be there for him, he has his own life to lead.

It made me think of the African proverb, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. I decided Ethan needed his own village. Team Ethan is Ethan’s village, one filled with great people, his brother, family friends and support workers. Whilst people will come and go, if everyone in this village shares Ethans vision for his life, then this will help Ethan on his journey through life when I can no longer be there for him. I am proud of Ethan, and I know that he will thrive and continue to achieve many things in his life surrounded by his village.