HOWARD Wicks – the boy of 16 whose world was turned upside down on Hallowe'en morning in 2011 when he suffered a massive stroke – is coming home to Kingsbridge. The move has been made possible by the Howard Wicks Trust, which has been raising money in London to look after Howard's future. The trust came into being after Kingsbridge visitors Geoff and Simone Lloyd attended an event by Hope for Howard and asked what it was all about. The Lloyds discussed the case with their friends, Neil and Amanda Tregarthen and between them they created the Howard Wicks Trust. The main focus was that, when some 're-wiring of Howard's brain', became possible – no matter where in the world – funds would be available. In 2007, Neil Tregarthan sold his recruitment business, the NES Group, for £86million, meaning his own son, Callum – who has Downs Syndrome – could be taken care of for life. And the money has given Neil and Amanda the means to make a difference to others too. Now they have bought Howard a suitable property, which is being converted to his needs. They said: 'When we heard about Howard's challenge, we wanted to help and that's where the trust initially came from. 'But every time we met Hows, we were astonished at his bravery and determination, with the result that, all of a sudden, we'd bought a bungalow in Kingsbridge.' To make the home suitable for Howard to live comfortably and safely, extensive alterations and fitting out are necessary. Howard can get a grant for some of the work, but not enough to cover all the costs, for example, a suitable wheelchair lift will cost £15,000.

For the full story see this week's Kingsbridge and Salcombe Gazette.