Carl’s lifelong dream of seeing André Rieu comes true
Two years ago, a concert at Wembley would have been impossible for Carl. But after years of support to build his confidence in busy places, Carl has fulfilled a lifelong dream – seeing André Rieu and his orchestra perform live.
For Carl, who is supported by FitzRoy in Hampshire supported living, that dream began when he was three years old, after his mum bought him a tape of André Rieu’s music. Carl has loved classical music ever since and for as long as anyone can remember, he has wanted to see André and his orchestra perform live.
Understanding what Carl needs
Over the past couple of years, Carl’s support team has worked closely with FitzRoy’s specialist support colleagues to better understand what he needs to feel safe and comfortable. The difference has been huge.
Carl now gets out most days with his team. He goes shopping, stops for coffee, eats out and enjoys watching concerts. He has become increasingly confident in busy places and loves being part of things.
So when the team heard that André Rieu was performing at Wembley, they started wondering whether the dream Carl had held onto for more than 25 years might finally be possible.
A night to remember at Wembley
The team had done the work to help Carl feel ready. Donations to FitzRoy’s Above and Beyond Fund helped with the final step, enabling Carl and his support worker Kim to make the trip to Wembley.
And Carl did not spend much time sitting down.
He danced with the crowd, sang along, got covered in snow, played with the balloons and proudly wore his André Rieu merch.
After more than 25 years of loving his music, Carl was finally there watching him perform live.
There are no words to describe the joy on his face when André Rieu walked into Wembley and the music began.
Kim
This really has been a dream for Carl. He has loved André Rieu since he was little but, until now, he had never been able to see him live. We’re so grateful for all the effort and support FitzRoy put into making this happen for him.
Carl’s mum
More than one night out
What happened at Wembley was the result of much more than planning one special trip. It was made possible by the support Carl has received over time and his team’s determination to understand what works for him that would give him a gloriously ordinary life (with a definite focus on the glorious here).
“This was about much more than one night out. It was the culmination of work over time by Carl’s support team to understand what he needs. They worked with our specialist support team to understand all the things we could do to support Carl in busy areas which in the past would have been overstimulating and made him anxious. Two years ago, this trip would not have been possible.”
What does someone you love dream of?
Carl’s incredible night has got us thinking about the dreams and ambitions of other people we support. That’s why we’re launching FitzRoy’s 65 Dreams. Between now and the end of 2027, we want to help make at least 65 dreams possible for people we support.
A dream doesn’t have to be a huge, once-in-a-lifetime experience. What matters most is that it is meaningful to the person.
If your loved one is supported by FitzRoy, we’d love to you to talk to them about what they would love to do.
Want to know more about 65 Dreams and how families can get involved?
Read more from our Head of Fundraising.