Brad’s Story

Even the smallest things, like sharing a bed with his wife, Jenny, became difficult. 

During his initial recovery Brad was prescribed a bed to suit his needs, but it quickly presented more challenges than benefits. 

Uncomfortable and clunky, their bed was not only impractical but also left him feeling disconnected from Jenny.   

“It just didn’t feel like a bedroom anymore. It felt like a hospital room.” 

For years, Brad and Jenny dreamed of a better solution, but growing costs meant upgrading to a more suitable model was out of reach.  

It wasn’t until they discovered Youngcare Grants that they felt understood.  

“When we came across a story about another couple who had received a partner bed through Youngcare we looked at each other and said, ‘Somebody’s picking up what we’re putting down. Somebody actually gets it.”

The impact was immediate

“For the first time in nine and a half years, we can lie next to each other. That’s everything.” 

For Brad and Jenny, the new bed represents far more than comfort.  It gives them peace of mind and the opportunity to reconnect. 

“The impact goes beyond intimacy. Now Jenny doesn’t have to get out of bed to help me maneuver during the night, and we are sleeping at the same level, face to face – just like it was prior to my injury.” 

Making a difference

After so many years of ‘making do’, Brad has one simple message to Youngcare supporters who helped make this grant possible. 

“Thank you for understanding and your empathy. Don’t stop. What you’re doing actually makes a difference, big or small. This is living proof that it makes a difference.” 

“You’re helping make things easier for people, putting smiles on faces, and bringing a bit of self-worth back into it. I feel like Joe Average walking down the street.”