All Kieran Forester wanted to do was remember his Dad.
But the balloon tribute from Kieran’s home at the Hollybank centre in Mirfield could now land him with a world record.
For the balloons set off by 22-year-old Kieran from the Hollybank gardens were found on a beach in the Netherlands less than 24 hours later.
They had flown an astonishing 563 miles, of 906km, in a little over 18 hours.
Kieran, who is confined to a wheelchair, enjoys socialising with his friends, watching films with lots of goodies to munch on, listening to music especially his favourite classical pieces, and also singing at karaoke nights.
His disabilities don’t stop him from regular sailing trips at Otley Sailing Club and Kieran also loves a sensory massage and an aromatherapy session.
Family visits are an important part of his life and he looks forward to going to his Mum’s in Ripon for the day and walking his dog Elvis with her.
But sadly his dad Dave died earlier this year and the Hollybank team have been helping him through this difficult times.
They knew that it would be particularly hard when anniversaries and special dates came around and the first one was Dave’s birthday earlier this month.
Senior Support Worker, Gareth Drake and team member Sophie North helped Kieran mark the special day with messages on three balloons in memory of Dave.
They were launched at 5pm and Gareth attached a card, including an email address, and asked anyone who found them to let Kieran know.
At 11.30am the following day, the team were amazed when an email, with photos attached, arrived from a gentleman called Greetz Hans, in the Netherlands.
His email read: ‘Hello. The balloons in memory of Dave landed on the beach between Egmond and Castricum.”
Gareth said: “Incredibly, the balloons had travelled from Mirfield to the Netherlands, some 563 miles or 906 kilometres.
“World record or not, Kieran and everyone at Hollybank were delighted that the balloons had travelled so far in such a short time and that Greetz had taken the trouble to email Kieran and take photographs of the landing”.
Established 60 years ago, Hollybank Trust cares for babies, children, young people and adults with multiple, profound disabilities and complex needs.
