A very merry unbirthday to you!

Ashton celebrates its milestone birthday by climbing through the rabbit hole and stepping out in wonderland.

Jenna Perkins and Nathan Humble, residents at Ashton, enjoyed the party in style with family and staff.

Jenna has been living at Ashton since it opened its doors 10 years ago. Jill Earley, home manager, has also been with Jenna since the beginning. She said: 

I can't believe it's been 10 years since we walked through the door. The progress Jenna has made is just remarkable. She's grown into such a beautiful young woman, inside and out. When she first came here, the only meal she would eat was spaghetti and hotdogs! She now enjoys many different types of foods and I think that shows how settled she is here.

Ashton was first opened as a children’s residential home, but as Jenna and Nathan reached adulthood, the decision was made to change the home to adults so the two could remain there together. Staff members praised the relationship between Nathan and Jenna, with their parents further commenting that they’re like an “old married couple!”

It was a difficult time for the family when Jenna first started at Ashton, but 10 years on their so proud of the progress she's made.

Jenna's sister, Ashleigh, said: "We're able to have full conversations with Jenna, which we could never do before she came to Ashton. This is her home and she's really blossomed here. Her speech, confidence and independence have all grown with her."

Mum, Anne, praised the staff at Ashton for her daughter’s development as they reminisced together about memories shared over the past 10 years. 

The relationships Jenna has with the staff is so lovely to see. As a Mum, it's been a massive relief knowing that Jenna is so well looked after. Although Jenna still needs the support, she's got a real sense of independence here. The staff across the organisation have all been so lovely, and I can't thank them enough. 

Nathans Mum, Sharon, and brother, Thomas, also joined in the celebrations. They thanked staff members Joan Scott, Agnes Dennis and Zoe Phillips for organising the party.