Three decades, one incredible journey: celebrating Ronnie’s 30 years with Achieve together 

For Ronnie, the day was spent exactly as he likes it – attending his day centre and enjoying his usual routine. When he returned home to Epsom, he was welcomed with a special celebration, complete with a cake, card and plenty of smiles from those who know him best. 

Ronnie’s journey is a remarkable one. 

Born in 1937, Ronnie spent his early childhood living with his family in East Sussex. At the age of eight, he moved into specialist education and support services, where opportunities for children with additional needs were often very different from those available today. 

Over the following decades, Ronnie lived at St Ebba’s Hospital in Epsom and later Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital in Banstead. In June 1996, he made an important move into Manor Green Road in Epsom, one of the first people to live in what was then our first residential home. 

The move represented a significant step from institutional care into a more personalised community-based setting, and Manor Green Road remained Ronnie’s home for more than two decades. 

In March 2022, Ronnie moved to his current home in Epsom, where he continues to be a valued and much-loved member of the community. 

A life full of memories 

While Ronnie prefers a quieter life, his family have shared treasured memories from throughout the years. 

They remember his love of windmills and completing jigsaw puzzles featuring them, along with holidays to places where he could visit windmills, including Jersey. Family visits from his younger siblings were also an important part of Ronnie’s life, with loved ones often bringing favourite picnic treats including soft finger rolls with plenty of butter, crisps, bananas, Cadbury Mini Rolls and a flask of tea with lots of milk and sugar! 

Ronnie spent every Easter and Christmas with family until the covid-19 pandemic unfortunately made this tradition difficult, and his younger siblings have since sadly passed away. 

Part of our family 

Registered Home Manager Kate Wilson has known Ronnie for many years and remembers meeting him when she first joined Achieve together: 

“Since moving into his current home, Ronnie has become much more confident and has come out of his shell. He is comfortable expressing his personality, sharing his sense of humour and interacting positively with both the staff and the people he lives with.   

“Ronnie has built meaningful friendships in his own way, often checking if people are OK and looking out for their wellbeing. Ronnie is a much-valued part of the home and is well liked by both his housemates and the staff team. He is a pleasure to support and is very independent in many aspects of his daily life. As a team we will continue to support Ronnie in a person-centred way; promoting his independence, respecting his choices and ensuring his individual needs and preferences remain at the heart of the care he receives.”   

Cause for celebration 

Thirty years is an incredible milestone and a testament to the relationships, memories and experiences Ronnie has built throughout his life. 

2026 also marks our 30th anniversary year. Over the past three decades, Achieve together has grown and evolved significantly, but one thing has remained constant: our commitment to people. 

What began as a small organisation with a clear purpose is now a leading UK provider of specialist support for people with complex needs, helping thousands of people live happy, healthy and meaningful lives. This journey has been shaped by the dedication, compassion and professionalism of our team members.  

As we celebrate this milestone year, we are proud not only of how far we have come, but also of the strong, values-led culture that continues to guide us forward.  

Today, we celebrate Ronnie’s journey, his resilience, and the many people who have been part of his story. We also recognise the dedicated team, whose person-centred support helps Ronnie live a happy, healthy and fulfilling life every day. 

Happy 30 years, Ronnie.