Tom Powell
ONE caring expat is on a mission to provide his Down Syndrome brother the best life possible, and now his very own website to share it on.
Tour guide Manni Coe is setting up a blog for younger brother Reuben, 31, who has lived with him in San Pedro de Alcantara for two years.
“He needs a new challenge,” explained Manni, of Toma Tours.
“Reuben is so creative and this blog – www.reubensworld.com – will allow him to channel that and connect with people around the world.
“I have never seen a blog directly from a person with Down Syndrome before, we’re so excited to see where it will go.
“We want it to be loaded with Reuben’s personality, as he is such an inspiration to families with young children with Down Syndrome,” added Manni.
Reuben joined his brother in Spain after an unsuccessful time living in a group care-home in the UK, where he gained weight and lacked stimulation.
The difficult move has been a roaring success though, as he has lost two stone, learned to ride a tricycle and also helps out at a friend’s business.
“I love Spain, the food and the beaches especially,” Reuben told the Olive Press. “I can’t wait for the blog now.”
They have raised more than €1,200 of their targeted €3,000 in ten days so far on crowd-funding website Indiegogo.
The money will pay for a designer to create an easy-to-use blog, and then teach Reuben to use it, as well as a tablet for him to access it.
The homepage will display a wardrobe, like in C.S.Lewis’ Narnia, which opens up into Reuben’s world, while a font based on his handwriting is also on the way.
Special James Bond and Whoopi Goldberg sections are guaranteed, the latter has even personally sent him a birthday video message.
To read more about the project and donate visit: www.indiegogo.com/projects/www-reubensworld-com
