Lockdown for many was, and continues to be, an anxious and worrying time. But when you’re coping with a pandemic and living with a brain injury, everyday life can become even more of a challenge.
Earlier this year, we featured the remarkable relationship between our client, Adam Fitzgibbon, and his solicitor Lucy Nicol in Turning Point. As his Court of Protection deputy, Lucy was always available to pop round for a cup of tea and catch up with Adam and his family. The pair became such great friends that Lucy was even a guest at his wedding to wife, Emma, in 2016.
However, as COVID-19 swept across the world, the face-to-face visits that became routine to Adam had to be put on hold. When the UK went into lockdown, Lucy suggested a video call to check how our client was coping with such a sudden change. This has become their new normal.
A bit of background
Adam, who lives in Woolton, Liverpool, suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple fractures when he was struck by a car on his way to secondary school. Despite his family being told that he may never walk or talk again, he’s made incredible progress to be able to do both.
Our legal experts helped him secure vital financial support to assist with his recovery and rehabilitation in August 2011. This is when Lucy was appointed to act as his deputy, to ensure the funds he received from his legal case were effectively managed.
Last year we caught up with Adam and Lucy to find out how their relationship has developed over the years and how she’s supported him through the highs and lows of recovering from a significant brain injury.
Building a virtual relationship
The simple truth is that nobody was prepared for the pandemic and everything suddenly changed almost overnight. Lucy’s focus was on finding a way to be there for her clients at a time when they needed her clarity and calm approach more than ever.
Commenting on how the relationship between client and deputy has changed, Lucy said “We have a near constant line of communication, and I’ve helped to reassure him about how we are managing his finances, now that we’re working from home and on his case remotely.
We’ve managed to do this for Adam without any issues and it hasn’t affected the way we look after his finances at all - although I’m really looking forward to seeing him face-to-face soon, for a catch up and a cuppa.”
Adam said “I’m very pleased with Lucy and my team, they’ve made themselves available at all times during the pandemic and dealt with every issue I’ve had.”
Adam’s bittersweet celebrations
Having his 30th birthday in isolation was bittersweet for Adam - he was able to spend the day with Emma and his three year old son Connor, however any major celebrations had to be put on hold.
This feeling was then replicated when he finally saw his team, Liverpool crowned Premier League Champions in July. Unable to attend any matches, or indeed the parties that would have followed, Adam enjoyed cheering on his team at home but is ready for a double celebration when this is all over.
There have been benefits for Adam and the extra time he gets to spend with his son has been special being there for both bath and bed time.
Adam sums up how he feels: “I just want my family safe and well, I take every day as it comes. As long as I can wake up in the morning, take a breath and see my lovely son Connor, that’s all that matters.”
Adam knows we’re here to support him through these difficult times as we navigate a new normal for our clients, and he concentrates on enjoying the special moments in his son’s life.
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