Meet the ‘FEAR Team’
Kim - Founder of Face everything and rise
Kim, as the founder of our charity, is determined for more help and support to be available to those living with complex intestinal conditions.
She has been intravenously fed since 2015 due to being diagnosed with Intestinal Failure, Gastroparesis, EDS, Hypoglycemia and Crohn’s.
Kim has a gastric pacemaker and a Hickman line which she attaches to her TPN, 7 days a week, 15 hours a day.
Kim has developed an excellent understanding of her medical conditions and how to lead her life to the full whilst managing her health.
Since having a Hickman line Kim has travelled extensively, learnt to solo paraglide, scuba dived under Ice, and does not let her condition limit what she wants to do.
Alongside her Charity, Kim is also a Special Needs Teacher, which is a career she is extremely passionate about and this has also added to her understanding of enteral and parenteral nutrition.
Pete
Pete is Kim’s partner, in the time since her diagnosis he has built up a great knowledge of what it is like to live with someone with a life changing condition. He has also developed an understanding of the processes involved in preparing TPN and infection control.
In the initial stages, Pete himself found it hard to find support and information which is why his insight offers a valuable addition to the team. He is delighted to be able to offer support to others in a similar position.
Pete regularly prepares Kim’s TPN and supports her to achieve all that she wants to.
Pete is a keen photographer and arranges regular music events.
Steve
Steve is a qualified mental health nurse and recovery college trainer. With 20 years experience of working in the field of mental health nursing including inpatient units, community nursing, palliative care and rehab. He is currently a trainer at a Recovery College where he facilitates courses that focus on wellbeing, self management and topics of mental health recovery.
In his spare time Steve enjoys performing music, songwriting, event organising, swimming and travelling.
Dudley
Dudley is a registered Pets As Therapy Dog (PAT Dog) and is a valued member of the team who is loved by so many!
He’s always happy to pay a visit to patients, or people living close by. His favourite place is any beach with sand, but he’s also partial to a bacon butty in a cafe! :) If you’d like to meet Dudley, and live near by, then please let us know and he’d be more than happy to arrange a time to meet you.
Tessa
Tessa is a trained paediatric nurse, working with children that required enteral and parenteral nutrition.
Currently, Tessa works as Welfare Lead at a special needs school, supporting children and families. She is mental health first aid trained and prioritises staff well being.
As Kim’s best friend, she has come to understand how best to support someone living with a long term medical condition. Together they have gone on lots of adventures, pushing each other out of their comfort zones, whilst ensuring Kim remains safe and well.
Meet our Swim Instructors
Tash (right) & Emily (left)
Hi, I’m Tash! I qualified as a Swim Teacher 16 years ago and love teaching children and adults alike. I have been a swimmer, springboard diver and gymnast along with many years as a lifeguard. I feel it’s important for all children to experience the water, so learning to swim and being safe in the water is up there on our priority list! I love seeing the hard work pay off when children and adults are enjoying the water safely and confidently!
Hi, I’m Emily! Here’s a little about me: I’m a fun, outgoing, slightly crazy person who loves to have a good time and help other people as much as I can. When I was 8, I started competitive swimming which has taken me around the country, racing at County, Regional and National level and I still compete now! I started as a swimming teaching assistant at the age of 13, up until I was 16 when I became a swimming teacher. I have now been teaching for 4 years, using all my experience to help children and adults seek enjoyment in the pool!