THIS year will be the 32nd year that Bill Hawkins has remained in bed unable to move, talk or walk.
Bill Hawkins was just 19 when a terrible car accident left him with a condition known as ‘locked-in syndrome’.
Bill is aware of what is going on around him, but can’t walk, talk or move.
Lindy and Jim Hawkins actively chose to change every aspect of their life to ensure Bill’s health and future.
The enormity of the change cannot be underestimated – from having to book appointments weeks in advance, to installing lifting aids throughout the house, to having health professionals and nurses visit the house at all hours of the day.
Bill’s day starts early in the morning with a shower by nurses, and then he has a shave and occasionally a haircut if it is needed.
After this he is fed through a gastrostomy feeding tube which is located on the side of his abdomen.
Meals are prepared in the kitchen but are finely blended highly nutritious foods that can be sucked up into a syringe.
They move his body around assisting to stretch his limbs in an effort to maintain the muscle tone.
They also perform chest percussion (tapping) to aid his breathing.
The work is not strenuous and almost anybody is able to volunteer.
After this he has lunch and a nap before his afternoon speech exercises to strengthen his facial muscles and improve his swallowing.
Occasionally he gets to go out to a garden down the back of the house in a motorized wheelchair.
The house is lined with books, movies and audio books all aimed at helping to satisfy Bill’s still working mind.
Bill’s overall good health is a testament to the love and care of his family and the volunteers that have come over the last 25 years.
Marc Stapelberg
Marc Stapelberg has been a Lismore based photographer for the past 11 years and primarily works as press photographer.
He has been a nine time finalist in the PANPAS, a Kennedy Award finalist and a two time PRODI finalist.
Three images as editors pick in the National Geographic photo competition.
He had three nominations in the Black and White Spider Awards 2017 and eight nominations and one honourable mention in the International Colour Awards 2017.
Merit of Excellence Black and White Spider Awards 2018
He had an image selected for the Capture Magazine 2017/2018 Annual.
He was also a semi-finalist in the 2014 Moran prize.
Hurfood Hardwood Portrait finalist
Essay South Africa selected for the 2012 NikonWalkley Slide Nigh
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Official Opening11/05/2019 1:00 pm
Max Mason-Hubers
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