Quinns has been obsessed with an art program on his eye gaze computer for the last six months. Whenever we set the device up for him he immediately goes to the app. Usually with a cheeky smile and an ‘Au revoir’ because he’s discovered the way to get to it is through a board with his school work where he is learning French.

He has been using his eye gaze device since he was three. The small camera under the computer picks up the movements of his eyes allowing him to operate it. As well as using it for art, he uses it to communicate, play games and read stories.

The artworks he produces are bold, abstract explosions of colour. He chooses the canvas colour and which paint colour and brush to use. He can work on multiple canvases at the same time but always makes sure he downloads them when he’s finished.

When we were in Rachel House for respite at the beginning of February he delighted in showing anyone and everyone the art he was producing. One of the activity team noticed and loved what he was doing so much. She just knew it needed to be seen!

As a result, we were so delighted when the fundraising team from CHAS (who run Rachel House) asked us if it could be used for the upcoming CHAS Ladies Lunch in Glasgow. The artwork Quinns had created that weekend in Rachel House was perfect for the event that included entertainment by N-Trance!

I didn’t hesitate to say yes for his work to be used and to Big Sister and I going along to see it all. Quinns and Dad obviously were not invited! It was amazing to see Quinns’ art reproduced everywhere including on the tote gift bags given to every guest, the booklet, table numbers as well as animated on the big screen with his name shared.

In an amazing stroke of luck I was brought onto stage, with potential to win a prize, and got to introduce myself and share about Quinns’ art. I was so delighted to be able to share his amazing artwork with all the women in that room but even more to be able to help fundraise for the amazing charity. As well as providing help and respite to families like ours CHAS provide support to families, including children, parents, siblings and grandparents, who are experiencing some of their toughest times. We are so grateful for the time we get to spend in Rachel House where we rest and recuperate so we can support Quinns in these endeavours and make his life the best possible.

Big Sister and I had an amazing time eating a delicious lunch, listening to the lovely Rachel Rhienne sing and then dancing the afternoon away with N-Trance. When we got home we showed Quinns his artwork, shared stories from our afternoon and had a mini rave even although he was already in bed!