Simon Hutchinson: with his gear at the show.

Simon Hutchinson, 41, is a car fanatic and his family plan their holidays to include a show to satisfy Simon’s fascination about anything automotive.

The list of visits include the UK, Amsterdam, Paris, Geneva, Detroit and New York.

As well as a hobby, Simon has spent more than 20 years working as a full-time car valeter.

Simon’s mum June says Simon did work experience while at Hull College on a Foundation for Living course and with support from Scope was able to progress through the Government Workstep scheme to get a full time job with support.

“Initially we just wanted some occupation for Simon, regardless of pay but Scope stuck out for a full wage which they felt was important for his self respect. Over the years we have been very pleased with this as it has meant that as well as having his own spending money, Simon can contribute towards general household expenses, clothing and holidays etc.”

Sadly outsourcing of the valet service and a change in the Scope support meant Simon has been out of work for the past year. “He has tried to find alternative employment – he has rung 54 garages or cab business – and we have sent his CV out,” says June. “Scope have assigned him a new support worker – the third this year – and we are still hoping he will eventually get back to work.”

The Hutchinson’s heard about CdLS when they saw Bonnie Langford on The Weakest Link. “He was diagnosed in 1967 and we haven’t seen anyone about the condition since Simon was 12,” says June. “When we heard the name CdLS Foundation on the TV show we made contact and are very reassured to know that there is someone there we can turn to for help.”

June says that Simon is getting more and more anxious about leaving home “from the articles in the newsletter it sounds as if this is common in people with CdLS,” she says.

“He now has frequent bowel problems which makes outings difficult. He loves food and has no difficulties eating or swallowing. He has been overweight most of his life and unfortunately put on three stones whilst being off work this year.”

June adds “Like many parents we are concerned for Simon’s future. His life revolves around the family and work and he has virtually no social life outside of this. I am full of admiration for those who have made the painful break to get their children into college away from home, or into residential care.”

Another person close to Simon is his brother Tim. Just two years younger than Simon, Tim is able to give a good insight into Simon’s life and lifestyle. “Simon likes cars. I mean, he REALLY likes cars,” Tim says.

“He collects car brochures, car magazines, model cars, car calendars, mugs with cars on etc.

This hobby has now grown from just cars to include trucks, motorbikes, caravans, jet skis and other vehicles that you can think of.

He has an excellent memory for anything related to cars like being able to remember makes, model numbers, years as well as garage addresses and phone numbers.

“He can write but uses just capital letters – that’s how car names are written on the back of cars – and spends lots of time making lists of his car brochures, writing down addresses of garages he wants to visit and has now found the internet and uses this to get car news and to request more brochures.”

Tim says that Simon loves family gatherings and has kept track on family holidays over the years remembering many seemingly insignificant events.

“He is an excellent swimmer and is always ‘at home’ in the water. He loves music, especially country and western, Cajun and folk.

He doesn’t like bright lights and always carries a pair of sunglasses and has a great sense of humour.

“He likes stripping wall paper, cutting the grass and chips.

“But most of all, my brother likes cars!”

Please tell us about the person with CdLS in your life. We love to hear how they are getting on.

Send by email to info@cdls.org.uk or to Jacquie at the Foundation office.